[The Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome: a rare differential diagnosis of uveitis in childhood. A case report taking into account the revised diagnostic criteria].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The diagnosis of the multisystemic Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome including ocular, neurological and dermatological manifestations is difficult due to the absence of diagnostic serological parameters and the variable onset of clinical signs and symptoms in the course of the disease.

PATIENT:

A 12 year old female patient was admitted to our clinic , presenting with bilateral choroiditis, vitiligo and episodes of headache. After having ruled out an underlying rheumatological or infectious disease, a VKH syndrome was suspected and effectively treated with systemic steroids. The initial diagnosis of VKH syndrome would not have been possible, if the existing diagnostic criteria had been applied.

DISCUSSION:

As can be seen in the case of our patient, the existing diagnostic criteria of VKH syndrome may prove to be inadequate in diagnosing VKH syndrome, particularly at the onset of the disease. Considering, that early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in improving the outcome of the disease, current diagnostic criteria have been revised. Recent retrospective data suggest a higher sensitivity for the revised diagnostic criteria.

• Authors: R Rieger, R Keitzer, U Pleyer
• Journal: Klinische Monatsblatter fur Augenheilkunde (Klin Monbl Augenheilkd) Vol. 222 Issue 11 Pg. 919-22 (Nov 2005) ISSN: 0023-2165 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Das Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-Syndrom: Seltene Differenzialdiagnose der Uveitis im Kindesalter--Eine Kasuistik unter Berücksichtigung der revidierten Diagnosekriterien.
• PMID: 16308827 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Child
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Humans
• Practice Guidelines as Topic
• Practice Patterns, Physicians' (standards, trends)
• Uveitis (diagnosis)
• Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome (classification, diagnosis)