Ocular and extraocular inflammation induced by immunization of tyrosinase related protein 1 and 2 in Lewis rats

Pretreatment ocular blood flow and retinal oxygen metabolism in the acute uveitic phase is associated with final outcome in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between pretreatment blood flow velocity in the choroid and optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal oxygen metabolism in the acute uveitic phase and the development of 'sunset glow fundus' in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 41 patients (82 eyes). Laser speckle flowgraphy and retinal oximetry measurements were performed at the presentation. The main outcome measure was the development of 'sunset glow fundus'.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (40 eyes) presented in the phase preceding anterior segment inflammation (early presentation), and 21 patients (42 eyes) presented with anterior segment inflammation (late presentation). In ONH, mean blur rate (MBR)-vessel, representing blood flow velocity in retinal vessels, was significantly lower in the late presentation group, while choroidal MBR was not significantly different. The late presentation group had significantly lower oxygen saturation in retinal venules, a higher arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference and a smaller calibre of retinal arterioles compared with the early presentation group. Eyes that subsequently developed 'sunset glow fundus' had significantly lower ONH MBR-vessels, lower oxygen saturation in retinal venules, a higher arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference and a smaller calibre of retinal arterioles compared with eyes without 'sunset glow fundus'. ONH MBR-vessel had a significant negative correlation with arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference and a significant positive correlation with calibre of retinal arterioles.

CONCLUSIONS

In the acute uveitic phase of VKH disease, the development of 'sunset glow fundus' is associated with pretreatment reduced retinal blood flow velocity, calibre of retinal arterioles and oxygen saturation in retinal venules, as well as an increased arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference.

Prognostic value of pretreatment indocyanine green angiography in the acute uveitic phase of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognostic value of pretreatment indocyanine green angiographic (ICGA) features in initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 84 patients (168 eyes). Main outcome measures were final visual acuity, development of 'sunset glow fundus' (SGF) and progression to chronic recurrent evolution.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients (76 eyes) presented in the phase preceding anterior segment (AS) inflammation (early presentation) and 46 patients (92 eyes) had AS inflammation at presentation (late presentation). The mean number of hypofluorescent dark dots (HDDs) and frequency of disc hyperfluorescence were more in the late presentation group (p < 0.001 for both comparisons), whereas the early presentation group showed higher frequencies of peripapillary punctate choroidal hyperfluorescence (p < 0.001) and hypofluorescent patches involving macula corresponding to the areas of exudative retinal detachment (p = 0.012). The mean number of HDDs and the frequency of disc hyperfluorescence were higher among eyes that developed SGF (p < 0.001 for both comparisons) and eyes that progressed to chronic recurrent evolution (p < 0.001; p = 0.001, respectively). The frequencies of peripapillary punctate choroidal hyperfluorescence and hypofluorescent patches corresponding to the areas of exudative retinal detachment were less in the eyes that developed SGF (p = 0.019; p = 0.003, respectively). Punctate choroidal hyperfluorescence elsewhere was less frequent in the eyes that developed SGF (p < 0.001) and eyes that progressed to chronic recurrent evolution (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment ICGA has a prognostic value in initial-onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease.

Reversal of Peripheral Iris Depigmentation Associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

OBJECTIVE

To describe the reversal of peripheral iris depigmentation associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

METHODS

A retrospective report of two cases.

RESULTS

Both patients were diagnosed with a chronic recurrent VKH disease and developed bilateral peripheral iris depigmentation (BPID). The first patient is an 8-year-old girl who was treated with systemic corticosteroids, methotrexate and adjuvant rituximab infusions that induced complete remission of uveitis and reversal of peripheral iris depigmentation at the last follow-up. The second was a 6-year-old who was treated with topical and systemic corticosteroids and oral methotrexate that induced complete remission of uveitis and reversal of peripheral iris depigmentation at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate control of uveitis associated with chronic recurrent VKH disease with appropriate immunomodulatory agents and perhaps adjuvant rituximab can reverse BPID and improve the outcomes.

Sterile granulomatous panuveitis in dogs in the United Kingdom: A review of 33 cases

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical and histopathological features of a sterile granulomatous panuveitis syndrome in 33 dogs that underwent enucleation and ocular histopathology.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the medical records and ocular histopathology reports of 33 cases. Inclusion criteria were enucleation in conjunction with characteristic clinical and histopathological features.

RESULTS

Thirteen breeds were represented (including crossbreeds). Panuveitis was acute and fulminating, and secondary glaucoma was common (n = 27). Interval from initial presentation to enucleation was 99 days (median 33 days, range 5-605 days). The mean age at enucleation was 6.7 years. Ocular signs were initially unilateral (n = 18) or bilateral (n = 15). The disease became bilateral in 18/25 cases that initially underwent unilateral enucleation, resulting in enucleation or euthanasia in 9/18 (mean interval of 168 days). Seven out of 59 eyes had a good outcome following topical anti-inflammatory and systemic immunosuppressive therapy. None of the dogs had travel history nor relevant systemic signs from presentation to follow-up (mean 619 days, range 16-3012 days). Histopathology revealed histiocytic and lymphoplasmacytic panuveitis with pigment dispersion, and no infectious agents were identified on light microscopy.

CONCLUSION

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a sterile granulomatous panuveitis syndrome in dogs in the UK. The clinical signs are severe, with rapid progression, and can result in bilateral enucleation or euthanasia in affected dogs. There does not appear to be an age or breed predisposition, however further research is necessary in this regard. Early and aggressive intervention, with both topical and systemic immunosuppressive therapy, is recommended to reduce the risk of blindness, enucleation, and euthanasia.

Acute uveitic phase of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: optic nerve head swelling, ocular blood flow and retinal oxygen metabolism

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of optic nerve head (ONH) swelling in the acute uveitic phase of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease with blood flow velocity in the choroid and ONH and oxygen saturation and diameter of retinal vessels.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 25 patients (50 eyes) were studied. Thirteen patients (26 eyes) had ONH swelling and 12 patients (24 eyes) had no ONH swelling. Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and retinal oximetry measurements were performed at presentation.

RESULTS

In the ONH, mean blur rate (MBR)-vessel, representing blood flow velocity in retinal vessels, was significantly lower in the eyes affected by ONH swelling, while choroidal MBR was not significantly different. Eyes with ONH swelling had a significantly lower oxygen saturation in retinal venules, a significantly higher arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference and a significantly smaller calibre of retinal arterioles compared with eyes without ONH swelling. There were significant positive correlations between the MBR-vessel of the ONH and venular oxygen saturation and calibre of retinal arterioles. In addition, MBR-vessel of the ONH had a significant negative correlation with arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of ONH swelling in the acute uveitic phase of VKH disease is associated with lower retinal blood flow velocity and smaller calibre of retinal arterioles as well as lower oxygen saturation in retinal venules and higher arteriovenous difference in oxygen saturation.

Therapeutic window of opportunity in the acute uveitic phase of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: Prevention of late autoimmune complications by early intervention

PURPOSE

To determine relationship between timing of treatment initiation and disease outcomes and whether a therapeutic window of opportunity exists in initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 112 patients (224 eyes). Main outcome measures were final visual acuity, progression to chronic recurrent evolution, development of complications, particularly 'sunset glow fundus', and drug-free remission cure of uveitis.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (92 eyes) presented in the phase preceding anterior segment (AS) inflammation (early presentation) and 66 patients (132 eyes) had AS inflammation at presentation (late presentation). In significantly more eyes in the early presentation group (85.9%), final visual acuity of 20/20 was achieved compared with those in the late presentation group (66.7%) (p = 0.001). None of the eyes in the early presentation group progressed to chronic recurrent evolution and none developed 'sunset glow fundus', whereas in the late presentation group, 28.8% of the eyes progressed to chronic recurrent evolution (p < 0.001) and 56.1% developed 'sunset glow fundus' (p < 0.001). Patients in the early presentation group were able to discontinue treatment without relapse of inflammation at significantly shorter time intervals compared to patients in the delayed presentation group (p < 0.001). In the late presentation group, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that presenting clinical features predicting unfavourable outcomes were posterior synechiae (odds ratio = 4.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29-12.23), bullous exudative retinal detachment extending to the periphery (odds ratio = 3.35; 95% CI = 1.53-7.32) and female gender (odds ratio = 2.05; CI = 1.08-3.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the window of opportunity lies in the phase preceding AS inflammation and initiation of effective treatment during this phase results in cure of uveitis and prevents blinding complications.

Outcomes of initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease occurred during pregnancy

PURPOSE

To investigate the outcomes of initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease that occurred during pregnancy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series.

RESULTS

During the period between January 2001 and December 2021, we identified 112 patients with initial-onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease, 67 (59.8%) were females. Among the female patients, 10 (14.9%) patients (20 eyes) were pregnant. Of these patients, 5 patients presented in the first trimester, 3 in the second trimester and 2 in the third trimester. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 108 months (mean 35.2 ± 28.3 months). At presentation, 8 (80%) patients had initial-onset acute VKH disease with anterior segment (AS) inflammation and 2 (20%) initial-onset acute VKH disease without AS inflammation. All patients were initially treated with systemic corticosteroids combined with cyclosporine. During follow-up period, none of the patients with initial-onset acute VKH disease without AS inflammation developed any complications. Complications including "sunset glow fundus" in 8 (40%) eyes, cataract in 2 (10%) eyes and subretinal fibrosis in 1 (5%) eye were recorded in patients with initial-onset acute VKH disease with AS inflammation. Four (40%) patients developed pregnancy-related complications, including abortion in 1 patient, systemic hypertension in 1 patient and premature rupture of membrane in 2 patients. There were no documented congenital anomalies in all born babies. Best-corrected visual acuity of ≥ 20/20 was achieved in 16 (80%) eyes at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Primary treatment with combined systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine in initial-onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease was safe and effective.

Bilateral Complete Loss and Partial Regeneration of Photoreceptor Layers in a Pediatric Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) Case

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a multisystem autoimmune disease affecting melanocyte-containing tissues in the eyes, meninges, ear, and skin. As far as we are aware, this is a unique case report documenting the regeneration of the photoreceptor layer after bilateral complete loss of the photoreceptor layer in a child with VKH. We report a case of a 12-year-old male with no significant past medical history who presented during the chronic stage of incomplete VKH. He was found to have a complete loss of photoreceptor layer in both eyes during a work-up to confirm the aforementioned disease. Upon receiving his first pulse dose of 500 mg IV methylprednisolone as a treatment course, he developed severe steroid-induced hyperglycemia (random blood glucose of 17.6 mmol/L). Additionally, a brain MRI revealed pituitary gland changes compatible with diabetes insipidus, which is a combination that was mentioned once in the literature before. A review of the systems did not suggest any other systemic diseases. The patient's elevated blood sugar level was managed by a pediatrician, and it normalized. At his last visit, optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed hypertrophy/regeneration of the photoreceptor layer. This case report indicates that retinal photoreceptor layer regeneration can be sometimes observed with follow-up after the resolution of inflammation and uveitis.

Long-term Outcomes of Uveitis Associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease in the Pediatric Age Group

PURPOSE

To investigate the outcomes of uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease in pediatric age group (aged 16 years and under).

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with VKH disease.

RESULTS

Among the 244 patients identified, 38 (76 eyes) were children. Among them, five had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. 21 presented with initial-onset acute disease and 17 with chronic recurrent disease. The mean follow-up period was 59.1 months. At presentation, chronic recurrent disease was associated with more severe inflammation as indicated by the presence of mutton-fat keratic precipitates (p < .001), iris nodules (p = .005) and posterior synechiae (p < .001). During follow-up, the rate of complications was higher in children with chronic recurrent disease compared with initial-onset acute disease (p < .001). 92.4% of the eyes with initial-onset acute disease achieved a final visual acuity of ≥20/40 compared with 70.6% of the eyes with chronic recurrent disease (p = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic recurrent VKH disease in children is associated with worse outcomes.

Reflectance adaptive optics findings in a patient with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

Purpose

To describe the reflectance adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) findings in different stages of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease and correlate them to visual gain post treatment. Confocal (cAOSLO) and non-confocal split-detector AOSLO (sdAOSLO) were used to assess longitudinally the status of the photoreceptors in a patient with VKH managed on corticosteroid and immunomodulatory therapy.

Observation

A 32-year-old Japanese American female presented with a 2-week history of blurred vision in both eyes (OU) and worsening headache previously diagnosed as a case of VKH and treated with high dose oral prednisone. At the time of presentation, though vision was improving, and frank serous retinal detachments were absent, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed presence of residual subretinal fluid with disruption of the photoreceptor inner segments and outer segments (IS/OS) involving OU. The photoreceptor mosaic at the foveal center appeared very sparse with large areas devoid of visible photoreceptors on cAOSLO, in agreement with the SD-OCT data. sdAOSLO imaging over the same location shows a higher number of contiguous photoreceptors. After imaging, the patient was started on mycophenolate mofetil as steroid-sparing long-term therapy. Three months later, visual acuity improved to 20/20 OU, and SD-OCT showed almost complete resolution of subretinal fluid with significant improvement of the IS/OS SD-OCT signal, OU. cAOSLO imaging revealed a contiguous photoreceptor mosaic without gaps and of normal appearance.

Conclusions and Importance

VKH patients may demonstrate transient photoreceptor abnormalities on SD-OCT and cAOSLO imaging. sdAOSLO imaging revealed intact photoreceptor segments in areas that appeared as voids on cAOSLO, which later showed structural recovery on SD-OCT and cAOSLO. Therefore, sdAOSLO may predict potential for improvement in patients wherein there appears to be photoreceptor loss in cAOSLO and/or SD-OCT.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: the step-by-step approach to a better understanding of clinicopathology, immunopathology, diagnosis, and management: a brief review

BACKGROUND

Appraisals of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH) have become progressively more complete, since its first description in 1906. The availability of new investigational methods has improved our knowledge of the immunopathology, clinicopathology, diagnosis, and management of VKH disease. This review aimed to describe some of the steps that led to better characterization of VKH as a clinical entity.

METHODS

We searched on PubMed for articles that described the history of VKH disease and analyzed the progress in disease appraisal with new investigational and imaging methods. In particular, we searched for articles that investigated the clinicopathology, diagnosis, and management of VKH.

FINDINGS

The following developments were considered essential for improving the appraisal and understanding of VKH: (1) the history of the disease, (2) immunopathological mechanisms, (3) clinicopathology, (4) the importance of distinguishing initial-onset from chronic disease, (5) relevant imaging modalities, among which indocyanine green angiography is crucial, (6) diagnostic criteria that facilitate early diagnosis, and (7) the need for early, prolonged, aggressive treatment that combines steroidal and non-steroidal immunosuppression.

CONCLUSION

Based on these findings, the definition of VKH has improved. VKH disease starts in the choroidal stroma and later involves other structures when it is not diagnosed and treated early. Indocyanine green angiography and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography facilitate early diagnosis and precise monitoring of choroidal inflammation. ICGA is clearly the gold standard for appraisals and follow-ups in VKH disease, however EDI-OCT should be especially considered in those areas where ICGA is not fully available. These modalities have contributed substantially to a "cure" for VKH, when treatment is introduced within the therapeutic window of opportunity.

Novel corneal morphological alterations in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

PURPOSE

To determine whether visual function, especially when dependent on the anterior segment of ocular tissue, is altered during high-dose steroid treatment for Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series METHODS: This case series included 18 eyes of 18 patients with VKH who received high-dose steroid therapy as initial treatment. All patients underwent anterior swept-source optical coherent tomography (CASIA-2) examinations during their clinical course to measure the central corneal thickness (CCT), average central corneal power (ACCP), maximum curvature (Kmax) and anterior chamber depth (ACD).

RESULTS

The treatment duration was classified into the initial phase (earliest initial phase eIP; 0-1 month, initial phase: IP; 1-3months), middle phase (MP; 3-6 months), and late phase (LP; 6-9 months). The CCT decreased significantly after treatment (eIP vs. IP, p<0.01, eIP vs. MP, p<0.01; eIP vs. LP, p<0.01). The CCT at eIP was correlated with the flare value at 0M (R²=0.22). The change in Kmax at MP and LP was correlated with the flare value at 0M. Moreover, CCT at MP was correlated with rate of change in nasal angle open distance (AOD) at IP and rate of change in temporal AOD at IP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study was the first to reveal morphological changes in the anterior segment of the eye in VKH using CASIA-2, which may affect visual acuity and the astigmatic axis. It is vital to assess corneal morphology to determine the cause of visual function deterioration in patients with VKH.

Precise, simplified diagnostic criteria and optimised management of initial-onset Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: an updated review

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a primary autoimmune stromal choroiditis. This review aimed to provide a novel perspective of the disease. We took into account recent developments in the understanding of the disease and crucial progress in investigational modalities of the choroid, which has led to new, simpler diagnostic criteria. We analysed recent novel notions in the literature and new diagnostic tools for VKH. We identified the following updates for VKH disease: (1) A crucial differentiation between the acute initial-onset and the chronic forms of the disease; (2) the integration of new, precise imaging methods to assess choroidal inflammation; (3) the promotion of simplified, more reliable diagnostic criteria for acute initial-onset of the disease, based on the sine qua non presence of diffuse choroiditis, detected with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and/or Enhanced Depth Imaging OCT (EDI-OCT); and (4) treatment optimisation through early, vigorous, sustained corticosteroid and nonsteroidal immunosuppression, as the first line of treatment for initial-onset VKH disease, and monitoring subclinical choroidal inflammation during follow-ups. Several studies have shown that most patients could discontinue treatment without an inflammation relapse. ICGA and EDI-OCT represented the methods of choice for precisely monitoring disease evolution. Simplified, precise, new diagnostic criteria allow early diagnosis of VKH. In VKH disease, inflammation exclusively originates in the choroidal stroma. Therefore, in many cases, early, sustained treatment, with dual corticosteroid and nonsteroidal immunosuppressive therapy can result in full "healing", which obviates chronic, uncontrolled, subclinical choroidal inflammation.

New Perspectives on the Immunopathogenesis and Treatment of Uveitis Associated With Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

Uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a bilateral, chronic, granulomatous autoimmune disease associated with vitiligo, poliosis, alopecia, and meningeal and auditory manifestations. The disease affects pigmented races with a predisposing genetic background. Evidence has been provided that the clinical manifestations are caused by a T-lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune response directed against antigens associated with melanocytes in the target organs. Alongside of T lymphocytes, autoreactive B cells play a central role in the development and propagation of several autoimmune diseases. The potential role of B lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of granulomatous uveitis associated with VKH disease is exemplified within several studies. The early initial-onset acute uveitic phase typically exhibits granulomatous choroiditis with secondary exudative retinal detachment and optic disc hyperemia and swelling, subsequently involving the anterior segment if not adequately treated. The disease eventually progresses to chronic recurrent granulomatous anterior uveitis with progressive posterior segment depigmentation resulting in "sunset glow fundus" appearance and chorioretinal atrophy if not properly controlled. Chronically evolving disease is more refractory to treatment and, consequently, vision-threatening complications have been recognized to occur in the chronic recurrent phase of the disease. Conventional treatment with early high-dose systemic corticosteroids is not sufficient to prevent chronic evolution. Addition of immunomodulatory therapy with mycophenolate mofetil as first-line therapy combined with systemic corticosteroids in patients with acute initial-onset disease prevents progression to chronic evolution, late complications, vitiligo, and poliosis. Furthermore, patients under such combined therapy were able to discontinue treatment without relapse of inflammation. These findings suggest that there is a therapeutic window of opportunity for highly successful treatment during the early initial-onset acute uveitic phases, likely because the underlying disease process is not fully matured. It is hypothesized that early and aggressive immunosuppressive therapy will prevent remnant epitope generation in the initiation of the autoimmune process, the so-called primary response. B cell depleting therapy with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab is effective in patients with refractory chronic recurrent granulomatous uveitis. The good response after rituximab therapy reinforces the idea of an important role of B cells in the pathogenesis or progression of chronic recurrent uveitis associated with VKH disease.

Effect of immunosuppressive therapy on ocular blood flow in initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of immunosuppressive therapy on blood flow and waveform parameters in the choroid and optic nerve head (ONH) in patients with initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 18 patients (36 eyes) were studied. Laser speckle flowgraphy was performed at baseline and at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. We analysed longitudinal changes in mean blur rate (MBR), blow-out time, blow-out score (BOS), acceleration time index (ATI), flow acceleration index (FAI), resistivity index (RI) and blood flow fluctuation.

RESULTS

After immunosuppressive therapy, MBR, representing blood flow velocity, in the choroid and ONH significantly increased at each post-treatment time point compared to baseline values. Among the analysed pulse waveform parameters, BOS significantly increased, while RI and fluctuation significantly decreased. Increased BOS and decreased RI indicate decreased vascular resistance following treatment. There was a strong negative correlation between BOS and RI. Additionally, FAI increased in the choroid and ATI increased in ONH.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosuppressive therapy in the acute uveitic phase of VKH disease improved inflammation-related impairment in choroidal and ONH blood flow.

Initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease presenting with unilateral exudative retinal detachment despite bilateral choroidal involvement

PURPOSE

To investigate the frequency of initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease presenting with unilateral exudative retinal detachment.

METHODS

A retrospective case series.

RESULTS

During the period between January 1998 and December 2020, we identified 135 patients with initial-onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease. Among them, 5 (3.7%) patients were referred to have unilateral uveitis due to the presence of exudative retinal detachment in only one eye. Optical coherence tomography confirmed the presence of unilateral exudative retinal detachment, however, indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) revealed characteristic findings of bilateral granulomatous choroidal inflammation typical for initial-onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with initial-onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease can present with unilateral exudative retinal detachment. ICGA assessment of the choroid revealed the presence of subclinical involvement of the fellow eyes.

Effect of immunosuppressive therapy on oxygen saturation and diameter of retinal vessels in initial onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

PURPOSE

To demonstrate changes in oxygen saturation and calibre of retinal vessels in initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease at baseline and during immunosuppressive therapy.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 22 patients (44 eyes) were studied. Retinal oximetry measurements were performed using the noninvasive spectrophotometric retinal oximeter (Oxymap T1) at baseline and at 1-3 months, 4-6 months, 5-7 months and more than 9 months after treatment.

RESULTS

At baseline, mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.12 ± 0.78 (Snellen equivalent, 20/265). Arteriolar and venular oxygen saturations were 108 ± 7% and 70 ± 9%, respectively and calibres of arterioles and venules were 12.1 ± 1.1 pixels and 16.9 ± 1.4 pixels, respectively. At 4-6 months of follow-up, logMAR BCVA was almost maximum (0.08 ± 0.1, Snellen equivalent 20/24; p < 0.001) and thereafter remained almost unchanged. After immunosuppressive therapy, arteriolar and venular oxygen saturation values continued to decrease up to >9 months of follow-up (92 ± 7% and 56 ± 10%, respectively; p < 0.001 for both arterioles and venules). Similarly, arteriolar and venular calibres continued to decrease up to >9 months of follow-up to 11.4 ± 0.9 pixels (p = 0.006) and 15.6 ± 1.3 pixels (p = 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with initial-onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease have increased oxygen saturation and calibres of retinal vessels at baseline. Immunosuppressive therapy normalizes these changes and in a similar pattern improves BCVA.

Variants in IL23R-C1orf141 and ADO-ZNF365-EGR2 are associated with susceptibility to Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in Japanese population

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a systemic inflammatory disorder that affects pigment cell-containing organs such as the eye (e.g., chronic and/or recurrent granulomatous panuveitis). While the exact etiology and pathogenic mechanism of VKH disease are unclear, HLA-DR4 alleles have been documented to be strongly associated with VKH disease in various ethnic groups. Recently, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) found two new genetic risk factors (IL23R-C1orf141 and ADO-ZNF365-EGR2) in a non-HLA region from a Han Chinese population. In this study, we replicated these GWAS findings in a Japanese population. A total of 1,643 Japanese samples (380 cases with VKH disease and 1,263 healthy controls) were recruited. We assessed four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) shown in previous GWAS: rs78377598 and rs117633859 in IL23R-C1orf141, and rs442309 and rs224058 in ADO-ZNF365-EGR2. A significant allelic association with VKH disease was observed for all of the four SNPs (rs78377598: pc = 0.0057; rs117633859: pc = 0.0017; rs442309: pc = 0.021; rs224058: pc = 0.035). In genotypic association analysis, the minor alleles of IL23R-C1orf141 rs78377598 and rs117633859 had the strongest association with disease susceptibility under the additive model (pc = 0.0075 and pc = 0.0026, respectively). The minor alleles of ADO-ZNF365-EGR2 rs442309 and rs224058 were most strongly associated with disease susceptibility under the dominant model (pc = 0.00099 and pc = 0.0023, respectively). The meta-analysis of the current and previous studies found that all of the four SNPs exhibited a significantly strong association with VKH disease (meta-p < 0.00001: rs78377598, meta-odds ratio (OR) = 1.69; rs1176338, meta-OR = 1.82; rs442309, meta-OR = 1.34; rs224058, meta-OR = 1.33). In summary, our study replicated significant associations with VKH disease susceptibility reported in a previous GWAS. Thus, the IL23R-C1orf141 and ADO-ZNF365-EGR2 loci may play important roles in the development of VKH disease through genetic polymorphisms.

Autoimmune diseases affecting skin melanocytes in dogs, cats and horses: vitiligo and the uveodermatological syndrome: a comprehensive review

Autoimmune dermatoses targeting melanocytes have gained attention in human medicine due to their progressive nature and the social impact suffered by affected individuals. In veterinary medicine, vitiligo and the uveodermatological syndrome are the two autoimmune diseases that are known to affect skin melanocytes.In the first part of this article, we will review the signalment, clinical signs, histopathology and the treatment outcome of vitiligo in dogs, cats and horses; where pertinent, we compare the animal diseases to their human homologue. In a similar fashion, the information on the uveodermatological syndrome in dogs is reviewed and, where relevant, it is compared to the Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome in humans.Canine, feline and equine vitiligo have many features that mirror their human counterparts. The most effective treatment and outcome of vitiligo in animals remain unclear. The canine uveodermatological syndrome resembles the incomplete VKH variant in humans; for affected individuals, an immediate diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial to prevent the development of blindness.

Effective treatment of refractory sympathetic ophthalmia with glaucoma using adalimumab

Purpose

Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is an autoimmune, bilateral, granulomatous panuveitis, which occurs following penetrating eye injury or eye surgery. We report two cases of refractory SO in patients with a history of trabeculectomy, which were treated effectively with adalimumab.

Observations

Case 1: A 69-year-old male with a history of trabeculectomy for rubeotic glaucoma of the right eye, secondary to diabetic retinopathy 8 years prior, presented with a decrease in visual acuity of the left eye due to SO. After two rounds of pulse corticosteroid therapy (intravenous infusion of 1 g methylprednisolone/day for 3 days), serous retinal detachment (SRD) was resolved. As oral prednisolone was tapered to avoid deterioration of the diabetes mellitus, we shifted to other immunosuppressive therapies to control inflammation. Methotrexate 6mg/week (0.1 mg/kg) was introduced first, but was discontinued owing to side effects. After 6 months of cyclosporine 100 mg/day (1.5 mg/kg, max. dose 2.3 mg/kg), the SRD relapsed. Adalimumab was then introduced, which led to remission of SRD, and inflammation was controlled for 7 months.

Case 2: A 43-year-old male, with a history of trabeculectomy for primary open-angle glaucoma of the right eye 4 years prior, presented with blurred vision in the right eye. Optical coherence tomography revealed SRD and choroidal thickening in both eyes. Pulse corticosteroid therapy (intravenous infusion of 1 g methylprednisolone/day for 3 days) was initiated, followed by oral prednisolone. SRD gradually improved, but it did not resolve completely. Given the severe visual loss the patient had experienced due to the primary open-angle glaucoma, oral prednisolone was tapered quickly to avoid steroid-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. Cyclosporine 125 mg/day (1.8 mg/kg, max. dose 2.1 mg/day) was introduced first, but was later discontinued because of side effects. Adalimumab was then administered, causing the SRD to disappear; and IOP was well-controlled. After the introduction of adalimumab, control of intraocular inflammation was achieved and IOP remained within the target range for 7 months.

Conclusions and importance

SO requires long-term immunosuppressive treatment. Adalimumab is an effective treatment in cases of steroid or immunosuppressant refractory SO, particularly for glaucoma patients, in whom long-term steroid therapy should be avoided.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Associated with Diabetes Mellitus and Celiac Disease in a 3-Year-Old Girl

Purpose

To present a case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) associated with type I diabetes mellitus and celiac disease in a 3 year old female.

Methods

We studied a three-year old female who presented with clinical manifestation of VKH and type I Diabetes mellitus and ciliac disease.

Results

Patient was found to have hyperglycemia with type I diabetes mellitus. Duodenal mucosal biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of celiac disease. Patient's ocular inflammation was treated by topical and systemic corticosteroid and immune-suppressive therapy. Her diabetes mellitus was controlled by insulin and her celiac disease was controlled by gluten-free diet.

Conclusions

The association of VKH with two autoimmune diseases (celiac disease and type I diabetes mellitus) is rare. This case is, to our knowledge, the youngest patient reported with VKH.

Recovery of macular cone photoreceptors in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to study changes in macular cone photoreceptors in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease patients after high-dose corticosteroid treatment using an adaptive optics (AO) fundus camera.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 16 eyes of eight patients with new-onset acute VKH disease that were studied retrospectively. After serous retinal detachment (SRD) had resolved, AO images were obtained using the rtx1™ AO fundus camera over a 12-month course. Cone counting was performed in the nasal, temporal, superior and inferior areas of the macula 0.75 mm from the foveal center. A control group of 30 eyes of 30 healthy subjects was established for comparison.

RESULTS

In the eyes with VKH disease, the mean cone densities 0.75 mm from the foveal center were 11,847 at baseline (resolution of SRD), and 15,218, 16,684 and 17,686 cones/mm², at 3, 6, and 12 months later, respectively. The mean cone densities at 3, 6, and 12 months were significantly increased compared to those of baseline (p = 0.007, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively); however, they were significantly lower than that of the healthy control eyes (p < 0.001). The mean cone densities at areas with a previous presence of cystoid spaces were significantly lower than those without cystoid spaces at the baseline, and at 3, 6, and 12 months (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, p < 0.001, and p = 0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Cone densities were gradually increased after the resolution of SRD in the eyes of VKH disease patients. The presence of cystoid spaces might be a marker of severe damage to cone photoreceptors.

INCREASED PHOTORECEPTOR OUTER SEGMENT VOLUME FOLLOWING SYSTEMIC TREATMENT OF BIRDSHOT CHORIORETINOPATHY

PURPOSE

Retinal degeneration in birdshot chorioretinopathy can be quantified using spectral domain optical coherence tomography by measuring the photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) volume. The purpose of this study was to determine if the PROS volume in BSCR responds to systemic immunomodulatory therapy (IMT).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review with analysis of PROS volume derived from spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

We identified a total of three patients who met our inclusion criteria. At baseline, all patients had abnormal PROS and/or ellipsoid layer findings on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. After systemic immunomodulatory therapy, these abnormalities improved, and PROS volume increased, in all patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PROS volume can increase after systemic treatment of birdshot chorioretinopathy. This SD-OCT parameter may serve as a useful marker of retinal degeneration in BSCR, and may be a useful outcome measure in monitoring treatment response in birdshot chorioretinopathy.

Mycophenolate mofetil combined with systemic corticosteroids prevents progression to chronic recurrent inflammation and development of 'sunset glow fundus' in initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as first-line therapy combined with systemic corticosteroids in initial-onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

METHODS

This prospective study included 38 patients (76 eyes). The main outcome measures were final visual acuity, corticosteroid-sparing effect, progression to chronic recurrent granulomatous uveitis and development of complications, particularly 'sunset glow fundus'.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 37.0 ± 29.3 (range 9-120 months). Visual acuity of 20/20 was achieved by 93.4% of the eyes. Corticosteroid-sparing effect was achieved in all patients. The mean interval between starting treatment and tapering to 10 mg or less daily was 3.8 ± 1.3 months (range 3-7 months). Twenty-two patients (57.9%) discontinued treatment without relapse of inflammation. The mean time observed off of treatment was 28.1 ± 19.6 months (range 1-60 months). None of the eyes progressed to chronic recurrent granulomatous uveitis. The ocular complications encountered were glaucoma in two eyes (2.6%) and cataract in five eyes (6.6%). None of the eyes developed 'sunset glow fundus', and none of the patients developed any systemic adverse events associated with the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of MMF as first-line therapy combined with systemic corticosteroids in patients with initial-onset acute VKH disease prevents progression to chronic recurrent granulomatous inflammation and development of 'sunset glow fundus'.

Experimental autoimmune uveitis and other animal models of uveitis: An update

Over the past several decades, animal models of autoimmune uveitis directed at eye-specific antigens (Ags) have been developed. These have allowed researchers to understand the basic mechanisms that lead to these diseases and also recently helped the researchers in translational research for therapeutic interventions. Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is an animal disease model of human endogenous uveitis and can be induced in susceptible animals by immunization with retinal Ags. Ever since the first description of EAU in mice in 1988, several animal models of uveitis has been described by researchers. Disease-specific model for cytomegalovirus retinitis and tubercular uveitis has evolved our understanding of these complex entities. Endotoxin induced uveitis is another useful model for anterior uveitis, which is not an autoimmune process and is triggered by injection of bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharides) resulting in a rapid short lasting uveitis. The current article will give an insight into the various EAU animal models and their current implications in translational research. The article will also highlight the different grading systems for EAU in the animal model.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: review of a rare autoimmune disease targeting antigens of melanocytes

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKHD) is a rare granulomatous inflammatory disease that affects pigmented structures, such as eye, inner ear, meninges, skin and hair. This disease is mainly a Th1 lymphocyte mediated aggression to melanocytes after a viral trigger in the presence of HLA-DRB1*0405 allele. The absence of ocular trauma or previous intraocular surgery sets VKHD appart from sympathetic ophthalmia, its main differential diagnosis. The disease has an acute onset of bilateral blurred vision with hyperemia preceded by flu-like symptoms. The acute uveitic stage is characterized by a diffuse choroiditis with serous retinal detachment and optic disc hyperemia and edema. Fluorescein angiography in this phase demonstrates multiple early hyperfluorescent points. After the acute uveitic stage, ocular and integumentary system pigmentary changes may appear. Ocular findings may be accompanied by lymphocytic meningitis, hearing impairment and/or tinnitus in a variable proportion of patients. Prompt diagnosis followed by early, aggressive and long-term treatment with high-dose corticosteroids is most often ensued by good visual outcomes. However, some patients may experience chronic uveal inflammation with functional eye deterioration. The current review discusses the general features of VKHD, including epidemiology, classification into categories, differential diagnosis and current therapeutic approaches.

Chronic Recurrent Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease and Development of 'Sunset Glow Fundus' Predict Worse Retinal Sensitivity

PURPOSE

To investigate prognostic factors for retinal sensitivity assessed by microperimetry in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

METHODS

In total, 34 patients with initial-onset acute disease and 19 patients with chronic recurrent disease were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 40.4 ± 40.5 months. Sensitivity was significantly worse in eyes with more severe anterior segment inflammation at presentation, as indicated by the presence of mutton-fat keratic precipitates, anterior chamber reaction ≥2+, and posterior synechiae. Chronic recurrent presentation, development of complications, and 'sunset glow fundus' were significantly associated with worse sensitivity. Using logistic regression analysis, better sensitivity was significantly associated with initial-onset acute presentation (odds ratio, OR = 6.9; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.53-9.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic recurrent presentation and development of complications and 'sunset glow fundus' are associated with a worse sensitivity outcome.

Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Quantification of Photoreceptor Injury and Recovery in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Uveitis

PURPOSE

To determine if the inflammatory composition of subretinal fluid in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) serous retinal detachments is predictive of photoreceptor injury, and to quantify photoreceptor recovery, following resolution of these detachments.

METHODS

Optical density (OD) measurements of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans were used to derive the fibrinous index, a measure of the inflammatory composition of subretinal fluid. In order to assess photoreceptor status, photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) volume was measured from SD-OCT scans.

RESULTS

The fibrinous index of subretinal fluid in VKH uveitis was strongly correlated with the PROS volume following resolution of subretinal fluid (r = -0.70, p = 0.006). Following fluid resolution, both PROS volume (p < 0.0001) and visual acuity (p = 0.0015) improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The fibrinous index of subretinal fluid during the acute stage of VKH can predict photoreceptor status following resolution of subretinal fluid. PROS volume is a useful measure of photoreceptor recovery in VKH.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: Novel insights into pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is one of the major vision-threatening diseases in certain populations, such as Asians, native Americans, Hispanics and Middle Easterners. It is characterized by bilateral uveitis that is frequently associated with neurological (meningeal), auditory, and integumentary manifestations. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of VKH disease need to be further elucidated, it is widely accepted that the clinical manifestations are caused by an autoimmune response directed against melanin associated antigens in the target organs, i.e. the eye, inner ear, meninges and skin. In the past decades, accumulating evidence has shown that genetic factors, including VKH disease specific risk factors (HLA-DR4) and general risk factors for immune mediated diseases (IL-23R), dysfunction of immune responses, including the innate and adaptive immune system and environmental triggering factors are all involved in the development of VKH disease. Clinically, the criteria of diagnosis for VKH disease have been further improved by the employment of novel imaging techniques for the eye. For the treatment, early and adequate corticosteroids are still the mainstream regime for the disease. However, immunosuppressive and biological agents have shown benefit for the treatment of VKH disease, especially for those patients not responding to corticosteroids. This review is focused on our current knowledge of VKH disease, especially for the diagnosis, pathogenesis (genetic factors and immune mechanisms), ancillary tests and treatment. A better understanding of the role of microbiome composition, genetic basis and ongoing immune processes along with the development of novel biomarkers and objective quantitative assays to monitor intraocular inflammation are needed to improve current management of VKH patients.

Pseudotumoral and Multiple Retinal Pigment Epithelium Proliferation in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

We report a case of pseudotumoral retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) proliferation in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease, in a 50-year-old female who presented with a juxtapapillary and peripheral subretinal hyperpigmented lesions in the left eye and “sunset glow fundus,” hyperpigmented striae, and multiple atrophic chorioretinal spots in the periphery. The darkly pigmented exuberant larger subretinal mass extended to the periphery with associated subretinal fibrosis. This patient demonstrated the entire clinical presentation of VKH disease, which tends to course with a chronic, bilateral, granulomatous panuveitis and exudative retinal detachment associated with poliosis, vitiligo, alopecia, and central nervous system and auditory signs. Our case is unique for the presence of exuberant, pseudotumoral RPE proliferation at the juxtapapillary region and peripheral area. Although this complication has rarely been reported, a high index of suspicion is warranted for early diagnosis and avoids unnecessary treatments of a pseudotumor.

Incidence and clinical features of recurrent Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in Japanese individuals

PURPOSE

Our aim was to determine the recurrence rate of inflammation in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease and to describe its clinical features.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients diagnosed as having VKH disease with exudative retinal detachment at the Osaka University Hospital or the Japanese Community Healthcare Organization, Osaka Hospital, between 1998 and 2012. All patients received high-dose corticosteroid therapy as the initial treatment and were followed for at least 6 months. Demographic data, including age, sex, visual acuity (VA) levels at initial presentation and at 1 year after initial therapy, treatment received, and recurrent episodes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Fifty-five consecutive patients with VKH disease were identified (36 women; mean age 38.6 ± 10.4 years). Fourteen patients (25.5 %) had recurrent inflammation, which manifested as posterior uveitis in eight and as anterior uveitis in six of the patients. Recurrent posterior segment inflammation was more likely to develop in patients whose VA at initial presentation was poor (P = 0.039) and in whom orally administered corticosteroid was tapered rapidly (to 30 mg within 3 weeks or less, to 20 mg within 2 months or less, and to 10 mg within 3 months or less) (P = 0.006, P = 0.066, and P = 0.041, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

About 25 % of patients with VKH disease had recurrent inflammation. Poor initial VA and rapid tapering of the corticosteroid were associated with posterior recurrence.

Prognostic factors for clinical outcomes in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease treated with high-dose corticosteroids

PURPOSE

To determine prognostic factors in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease who were treated with high-dose corticosteroids.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 87 patients (174 eyes).

RESULTS

At presentation, there were 53 patients with initial-onset acute VKH disease and 34 patients with chronic recurrent VKH disease. Chronic recurrent presentation was significantly associated with more severe anterior segment inflammation at presentation as indicated by presence of mutton-fat keratic precipitates, anterior chamber reaction ≥2+, iris nodules and posterior synechiae (p < 0.001 for all comparisons), less exudative retinal detachment at presentation (p < 0.001), more complications during the follow-up period (p < 0.001) and a worse visual outcome (p < 0.001). The use of immunomodulatory therapy (cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil) as first-line therapy significantly reduced the development of complications in the whole study group (p = 0.006) and in initial-onset acute group (p = 0.024) and improved visual outcome in the whole study group (p = 0.004) and in chronic recurrent group (p = 0.024). In the whole study group, final visual acuity of 20/20 was significantly associated with good initial visual acuity of >20/200 [odds ratio = 4.25; 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 1.53-11.89] and age older than 16 years was significantly associated with the development of complications (odds ratio = 3.15; 95% CI = 1.04-9.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic recurrent VKH disease is significantly associated with more severe anterior segment inflammation and less exudative retinal detachment at presentation, more ocular complications and a worse visual outcome than initial-onset acute VKH disease. Use of immunomodulatory therapy significantly improved the clinical outcomes.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are to review our current knowledge of the aetiopathogenesis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, including viral infection, genetic factors and immunomediated mechanisms, and to discuss pathogenesis and its relevance to pharmacotherapy.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW METHODOLOGY

Relevant publications from 1965 to 2012 on the aetiopathogenesis and pharmacotherapy of VKHS were analysed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKHS) is a rare multisystemic autoimmune disease that affects tissues containing melanin, including the eye, inner ear, meninges, and skin. The disease is characterised by bilateral uveitis associated with a varying constellation of auditory, neurological and cutaneous manifestations. The disease occurs more frequently among people with darker skin pigmentation. Asians, Native Americans, and Hispanics are most frequently affected. It predominates in patients aged between 20 and 50years, and females are affected more frequently, with a female:male ratio of 2:1. The classic clinical course is characterised by bilateral panuveitis, hypoacusis, and meningitis, in addition to cutaneous involvement with poliosis, vitiligo, and alopecia. Although the exact cause of VKH disease remains unknown, it is thought to be a T-cell-mediated autoimmune process directed against melanocytes. VKHS classically begins with vague systemic symptoms suggestive of a viral infection, although a clear association between a specific viral agent and the disease has not been established. Genetic factors may play an important role in the loss of self-tolerance in VKHS. The HLA-DRB1*0405 allele is the main susceptibility allele for VKHS. Early and aggressive systemic corticosteroids are still the primary initial therapy for VKHS. Ocular complications may require an intravitreous injection of corticosteroids. Despite proper treatment with steroids, a number of patients experience recurrent attacks or steroid-associated complications. Thus, non steroid immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) has become necessary for the treatment of VKHS.

The outcomes of mycophenolate mofetil therapy combined with systemic corticosteroids in acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

PURPOSE

To study the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as first-line therapy combined with systemic corticosteroids in acute uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. The outcomes in this group were compared with those of another group of patients with VKH disease who were treated with corticosteroid monotherapy or with delayed addition of immunomodulatory therapy.

METHODS

This prospective study included 19 patients (38 eyes) diagnosed with acute uveitis associated with VKH disease.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 27.0 ± 11.1 months (range 16-54 months). Corticosteroid-sparing effect was achieved in all patients. The mean interval between starting treatment and tapering prednisone to 10 mg or less daily was 5.1 ± 1.2 months (range 3-7 months). Ten (53%) patients discontinued treatment without relapse of inflammation. The mean time observed of treatment was 17.3 ± 11.9 months (range 3-41.5 months). Visual acuity of 20/20 was achieved by 38% of the eyes in the corticosteroid group and by 74% in the corticosteroid + MMF group (p < 0.001). Recurrent inflammation of ≥3 times was reduced significantly (p = 0.0383) in the corticosteroid + MMF group (3%) as compared to corticosteroid group (18%). Development of all complications was significantly higher in the corticosteroid group (43%) compared with the corticosteroid + MMF group (8%) (p < 0.001). None of the eyes in the corticosteroid + MMF group developed 'sunset glow fundus'.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of MMF as first-line therapy to corticosteroids in patients with acute uveitis associated with VKH disease leads to significant reduction in recurrences of uveitis and development of late complications and significantly improves visual outcome.

Immunological homeostasis of the eye

Uveitis is a sight-threatening disease caused by autoimmune or infection-related immune responses. Studies in experimental autoimmune uveitis and in human diseases imply that activated CD4(+) T cells, Th1 and Th17 cells, play an effector role in ocular inflammation. The eye has a unique regional immune system to protect vision-related cells and tissues from these effector T cells. The immunological balance between the pathogenic CD4(+) T cells and regional immune system in the eye contributes to the maintenance of ocular homeostasis and good vision. Current studies have demonstrated that ocular parenchymal cells at the inner surface of the blood-ocular barrier, i.e. corneal endothelial (CE) cells, iris pigment epithelial (PE) cells, ciliary body PE cells, and retinal PE cells, contribute to the regional immune system of the eye. Murine ocular resident cells directly suppress activation of bystander T cells and production of inflammatory cytokines. The ocular resident cells possess distinct properties of immunoregulation that are related to disparate anatomical location. CE cells and iris PE cells, which are located at the anterior segment of the eye and face the aqueous humor, suppress activation of T cells via cell-to-cell contact mechanisms, whereas retinal PE cells suppress the activation of T cells via soluble factors. In addition to direct immune suppression, the ocular resident cells have another unique immunosuppressive property, the induction of CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cells that also suppress the activation of bystander T cells. Iris PE cells convert CD8(+) T cells into Treg cells, while retinal PE cells convert CD4(+) T cells greatly and CD8(+) T cells moderately into Treg cells. CE cells also convert both CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) T cells into Treg cells. The immunomodulation by ocular resident cells is mediated by various soluble or membrane-bound molecules that include TGF-β TSP-1, B7-2 (CD86), CTLA-2α, PD-L1 (B7-H1), galectin 1, pigment epithelial-derived factor PEDF), GIRTL, and retinoic acid. Human retinal PE cells also possess similar immune properties to induce Treg cells. Although there are many issues to be answered, human Treg cells induced by ocular resident cells such as retinal PE cells and related immunosuppressive molecules can be applied as immune therapy for refractive autoimmune uveitis in humans in the future.

Label-free proteomics reveals decreased expression of CD18 and AKNA in peripheral CD4+ T cells from patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease. CD4⁺ T cells have been shown to be involved in autoimmune diseases including VKH syndrome. To screen aberrantly expressed membrane proteins in CD4⁺ T cell from patients with active VKH syndrome, blood samples were taken from five patients with active VKH syndrome and five healthy individuals. A label-free quantitative proteomic strategy was used to identify the differently expressed proteins between the two groups. The results revealed that the expression of 102 peptides was significantly altered (p<0.05) between two groups and matched amino acid sequences of proteins deposited in the international protein index (ipi.HUMAN.v3.36.fasta). The identified peptides corresponded to 64 proteins, in which 30 showed more than a 1.5-fold difference between the two groups. The decreased expression of CD18 and AKNA transcription factor (AKNA), both being three-fold lower than controls in expression identified by the label-free method, was further confirmed in an additional group of five active VKH patients and six normal individuals using the Western blot technique. A significantly decreased expression of CD18 and AKNA suggests a role for both proteins in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.

Retinal functional changes measured by microperimetry after immunosuppressive therapy in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of immunosuppressive therapy on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fixation stability, and central retinal sensitivity in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease in the acute uveitic phase.

Methods

In this prospective study, 14 patients (28 eyes) were evaluated. Best-corrected visual acuity and MP-1 microperimetric evaluation of retinal sensitivity in the central 12 degrees and fixation stability were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment.

Results

At baseline, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA, fixation stability, and mean retinal sensitivity levels were 0.685±0.6 (Snellen equivalent, 20/100), 61.2%±29.0%, and 2.75±3.8 dB, respectively. At 3 months, logMAR BCVA (0.11±0.2, Snellen equivalent 20/25) and fixation stability (86.4%±13.4%) were almost maximum (p<0.001 for both comparisons), and thereafter remained almost unchanged. Mean retinal sensitivity continued to improve up to 12 months (12.0±2.3 dB, p<0.001); however, it was still significantly decreased. There were significant correlations between logMAR BCVA and mean retinal sensitivity at all time points. The percentages of BCVA improvement were significantly higher than the percentages of mean retinal sensitivity improvement at all time points (p<0.001 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

Compared with microperimetry, BCVA significantly underestimates macular dysfunction in VKH disease.

Polymyositis following Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome in a Jack Russell terrier

A male Jack Russell terrier developed bilateral uveitis and glaucoma at 1 year of age. Since the ocular disease was painful and unresponsive to treatment, both globes were enucleated. Microscopical evaluation of one enucleated globe revealed panuveitis, with pigment dispersion and phagocytosis consistent with the ocular lesions of canine Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH)-like syndrome. Three years later the dog was represented with severe muscle disease and skin lesions. Due to rapid clinical deterioration the dog was humanely destroyed. Necropsy examination revealed lichenoid interface inflammation in the skin and mucous membranes, with pigmentary incontinence consistent with VKH-like syndrome and lymphocytic and histiocytic polymyositis with marked muscle atrophy. Canine VKH-like syndrome is an autoimmune disease that targets melanocyte antigens. Some human patients with VKH disease develop additional autoimmune diseases. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of polymyositis subsequent to VKH-like disease in a dog. In addition, VKH-like disease has not been previously reported in a Jack Russell terrier.

Regional immunity of the eye

This article reviews molecular mechanism of intraocular inflammation in animal models and in humans, and the immunological defence system of the eye with particular attention to ocular pigment epithelium. In experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), T lymphocytes, particularly CD4(+) T lymphocytes, play a central role in its immunopathogenic mechanisms. In humans, activated CD4(+) T cells also play a central role in the immunopathogenic mechanisms. This notion is demonstrated in two human diseases: one is Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, and the other is human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) uveitis. Activated CD4(+) T cells infiltrating the eye are harmful to vision-related cells and tissues in the eye and cause sight-threatening conditions. However, the eye has regional defence systems to protect itself from these harmful activated T cells. We focus on ocular pigment epithelium (PE) and demonstrate immunoregulatory activity of iris PE and retinal PE. Iris PE suppresses activated CD4(+) T cells by cell-to-cell contact with a crucial role played by B7-2 molecule on iris PE and CTLA4 on T cells. The actual immunosuppressive factor being membrane bound TGF-beta. In contrast, retinal PE suppresses activated CD4(+) T cells by soluble factors, such as soluble TGF-beta and thrombospondin 1. In addition to the direct T-cell suppression by ocular PE, ocular PE has the capacity to promote activated T cells to regulatory T cells and use them as a tool to amplify the immune down regulation in the eye. The molecular mechanisms of generation of T regulatory cells by iris PE and retinal PE is also discussed.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease occurring during interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection

We report a case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease in a 30-year-old patient who was receiving interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The intraocular inflammation responded to systemic corticosteroid and mycophenolate mofetil treatment. Physicians should be aware of the association between interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy for hepatitis C virus infection and the development of VKH disease.

[Case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease associated with non-herpetic acute limbic encephalitis with autoantibodies against glutamate receptor epsilon2 in the cerebrospinal fluid]

We report a case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease associated with non-herpetic acute limbic encephalitis with autoantibodies against glutamate receptor epsilon2 in the cerebrospinal fluid. A 42-year-old woman developed a complaint of visual distortion, visual disturbance, headache and mild psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. She was diagnosed as VKH through the fidings of fluorescein fundus angiography, which revealed patchy hypofluorescence associated with delayed choroidal filling at early fluorescein angiographic phase, and spotted choroidal hyperfluorescence and pooling of dye at late phase. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed slight increase of leukocyte count (49/microl, mononuclear cells) and immunoglobulin (Ig) G index. An anti-GluRepsilon2 IgM antibody was positive in CSF. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a monofocal hyperintensity lesion in the left parahippocampal gyrus on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. We diagnosed her VKH disease associated with non-herpetic acute limbic encephalitis. She was treated with oral prednisone, 70 mg day and her symptoms have gradually improved. To our knowledge, meningoencephalitis in VKH disease is extremely rare and the analysis of anti-GluRepsilon2 IgM antibody in CSF has not been reported. We speculate that a certain immunologic mechanism, including the anti-GluRepsilon2 IgM antibody, contributes to the pathogenesis of the VKH disease with non-herpetic acute limbic encephalitis.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder principally affecting pigmented tissues in the ocular, auditory, integumentary and central nervous systems. Patients are typically 20 to 50 years old and have no history of either surgical or accidental ocular trauma. Pigmented races are more commonly affected. Depending on revised diagnostic criteria, the disease is classified as complete, incomplete or probable based on the presence of extraocular findings (neurological, auditory and integumentary). The clinical course of VKH is divided into four phases: prodromal (mimics a viral infection), uveitic (bilateral diffuse uveitis with papillitis and exudative retinal detachment), convalescent (tissue depigmentation), and chronic recurrent (recurrent uveitis and ocular complications). The pathogenesis of VKH is thought to be related to an aberrant T cell-mediated immune response directed against self-antigens found on melanocytes. VKH has been linked to human leukocyte antigen DR4 (HLA-DR4) and HLA-Dw53, with strongest associated risk for HLA-DRB1*0405 haplotype. The diagnosis of VKH is clinical, and differential includes sympathetic ophthalmia, sarcoidosis, primary intraocular B-cell lymphoma, posterior scleritis, and uveal effusion syndrome. Treatment is typically initiated with high-dose oral corticosteroids, but other immunomondulatory agents (most oftentimes cyclosporine) may be needed for non-responsive patients or when corticosteroid side-effects are not tolerated. Visual prognosis is generally good with prompt diagnosis and aggressive immunomodulatory treatment.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in children

PURPOSE

To identify prognostic factors for outcome in children with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

METHODS

All children 16 years and younger with acute uveitis associated with VKH disease treated between 1999 and 2006 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-three children (46 eyes) were identified; 20 (87%) girls and three (13%) boys with a mean age at presentation of 12.5+/-2.4 years. Mean follow-up period was 48.6+/-30.8 months. Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 38 (82.6%) eyes. Eleven eyes developed at least one complication, including cataract in eight eyes, glaucoma in eight eyes, subretinal neovascular membranes in two eyes, and subretinal fibrosis in one eye. Disease recurred during follow-up in 18 eyes. Development of complications was negatively associated with final visual acuity of 20/20 (P=0.0317). Shorter interval between symptoms and treatment was a predictor of final visual acuity of 20/20 (odds ratio=10.4; 95% confidence interval=1.61-67.3). Recurrence of inflammation was significantly associated with development of complications (P=0.003), worse visual acuity (P=0.022) and presence of posterior synechiae of the iris at presentation (P=0.0083), longer interval between symptoms and treatment (P=0.013), initial treatment with intravenous corticosteroids (P=0.0012), and rapid tapering of corticosteroids (P=0.0063).

CONCLUSION

Visual prognosis of VKH in children is generally favourable. Clinical findings at presentation, development of complications, interval between symptoms and treatment, recurrence of inflammation, use of intravenous corticosteroids, and method of tapering of systemic corticosteroids were significant prognostic factors.