Posterior segment recurrences in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

Abstract

Aim: To describe the clinical profile, management, and outcome in seven patients with posterior segment recurrence in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

Material and methods: Retrospective chart review of all the patients of VKH disease presenting to our institute between 2001 and 2005 was carried out. Patients with a documented posterior segment recurrence during follow-up were included in this study. Their history, systemic associations, ocular findings, investigations, management strategies, and treatment response were noted.

Results: Out of 82 VKH patients screened, documented posterior segment recurrence was seen in seven patients who included five women and two men, with a mean age of 33.7 years (range 22-55 years). At onset, two patients had incomplete and five had probable VKH disease. At the time of recurrence, four patients were on maintenance dose (5-10 mg/day) of oral corticosteroid while the remaining three were off treatment. The mean interval between the primary episode and posterior segment recurrence was 33.7 weeks (range 16-52 weeks). All posterior segment recurrences were bilateral and were characterized by vitritis (eight eyes), papillitis (14 eyes), multiple yellow-white oval subretinal lesions (six eyes), and exudative retinal detachment (10 eyes). The recurrences were managed with oral corticosteroids (1.0-1.5 mg/day) and Azathioprine (2.0-2.5 mg/day). Subsequently, three patients experienced a second episode of posterior segment recurrence, which also responded to the corticosteroid-Azathioprine combination.

Conclusions: Recurrences in VKH disease may involve predominantly the posterior segment, and respond well to the standard treatment.