Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada's syndrome and its multisystem involvement
Luiz Alberto Alves Mota1, Arthur Borges Dos Santos
1Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, PE, Brazil. luizmota10@hotmail.com
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease affecting melanocyte tissues, can cause hearing loss and tinnitus. Early recognition by healthcare professionals is crucial to prevent vision and skin complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome is a rare multisystemic inflammatory disease targeting melanocyte-rich tissues.
- It predominantly affects individuals of Asian, Indian, and Latin American descent, with a higher incidence in females.
- The condition involves ocular, neurological, auditory, and cutaneous systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, focusing on otorhinolaryngological manifestations.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing this syndrome for timely diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using online databases (MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO) and other sources.
- Selected texts emphasized the otorhinolaryngological symptoms associated with the syndrome.
Main Results:
- The syndrome is likely autoimmune, involving T-lymphocyte-mediated inflammation of melanocytes, with HLA DRB1*0405 as a common associated allele.
- Otorhinolaryngological symptoms, including bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular issues, typically appear during the uveitic stage.
- Diagnosis relies on established criteria, and treatment primarily involves corticosteroids.
Conclusions:
- Prompt recognition of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome by non-specialists is vital.
- Delayed diagnosis can result in irreversible ocular and cutaneous sequelae.
- Understanding the full spectrum of symptoms, including auditory and vestibular, aids in early detection.
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