[Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. Eight cases]
F-Z Alaoui1, S Benamour, H El Kabli
1Service de médecine interne, CHU Ibn-Rochd, Casablanca, Maroc. lasaone2002@yahoo.fr
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|March 14, 2007
Summary
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, a rare autoimmune condition, often presents with severe eye inflammation and neurological symptoms in women. Early immunosuppressive therapy improves outcomes, particularly for posterior segment involvement.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder affecting pigmented tissues.
- Its autoimmune etiology involves T-lymphocytes targeting melanocyte-associated antigens.
Observation:
- This retrospective study analyzed 8 female patients diagnosed with VKH disease over 22 years.
- All patients presented with bilateral panuveitis, fulfilling American Uveitis Society criteria.
Findings:
- Common manifestations included meningitis (6/8), hearing loss (7/8), and poliosis (5/8).
- Retinal serous detachment occurred in 4 patients.
- Corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants led to improvement in 5 patients.
Implications:
- VKH disease has a generally favorable ocular prognosis.
- Early initiation of immunosuppressive therapy is crucial for managing posterior segment disease in VKH patients.
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