Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome: case report and review

Abstract

The case of an adolescent male with a painful red eye is presented, and the emergency department differential diagnosis is reviewed. The patient had Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome, a panuveitis with extraocular systemic manifestations. The syndrome may result in permanent visual loss but is quite sensitive to corticosteroid therapy. Early ophthalmologic consultation from the emergency department is essential for prompt institution of definitive therapy and preservation of vision. The salient features and diagnostic evaluation of VKH are reviewed.