The evaluation of patients with Eales' disease

Thirty-two patients with documented Eales' disease who have been followed-up at Johns Hopkins Hospital for periods of as long as 37 years were investigated. The previously reported association of Eales' disease with tuberculoprotein hypersensitivity was confirmed in 10 of 21 patients tested. For the first time, associated vestibuloauditory dysfunction is described. The previously reported association with multiple sclerosis was not confirmed. Eales' disease is a specific vasculopathy that can affect both the retinal and vestibuloauditory circulations. Patients with suspected Eales' disease should also be examined to rule out other diseases such as diabetes, sarcoidosis, and connective tissue diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus. This can be done by obtaining such tests as fasting blood glucose, chest radiograph, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, and LE cell preparation. Tuberculoprotein sensitivity status should be ascertained and active tuberculosis should be ruled out. The patient should be questioned regarding hearing or balance problems, and if a history suggestive of abnormalities is elicited, referral for vestibuloauditory function testing should be made.