[Uveitis: Diagnosis and work-up]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology

Background:

• Uveitis involves inflammation of the uveal tissue (iris, ciliary body, choroid).
• While having a low incidence (17/100,000 annually in France), uveitis can lead to severe visual and therapeutic complications.
• Prompt etiologic investigation is essential for effective uveitis management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a systematic diagnostic approach for uveitis.
• To emphasize the importance of clinical evaluation in guiding ancillary testing.

Main Methods:

• A detailed patient history is fundamental for initial uveitis evaluation.
• Ophthalmologic examination classifies uveitis by type, location, severity, duration, and recurrence.
• Assessment for systemic signs and extraocular manifestations aids in identifying specific causes.

Main Results:

• Systemic signs frequently suggest a specific etiology for uveitis.
• The diagnostic strategy integrates history, ophthalmologic findings, and systemic evaluation.
• Ancillary tests are most effective when guided by a clinical differential diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive diagnostic approach, combining patient history, ophthalmologic examination, and systemic assessment, is vital for uveitis.
• Targeted ancillary testing, based on clinical suspicion, maximizes diagnostic yield.
• Effective management of uveitis hinges on accurate and timely etiologic diagnosis.