[Goodpasture syndrome: ocular manifestation in a young man]

Goodpasture syndrome (GS) is a rare organ-specific autoimmune disease that may consist of glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. Only few case reports have been published on ocular symptoms in the context of GS. This is a case report of a 22-year-old male with GS who was referred to our practice because of visual disturbances. The anamnesis revealed pulmonary hemorrhage, acute renal failure and nephrotic syndrome, which was treated by immunosuppressive therapy with additional plasmapheresis. Ophthalmoscopically, bilateral cotton wool spots were found along the vessels and bilateral retinal hemorrhages predominantly at the posterior pole. By intensifying the existing antihypertensive therapy the eyesight showed significant improvement. Although infrequently seen in Goodpasture syndrome it is important to be aware of ocular symptoms as they may be the initial signs of GS.