The clinical presentation and diagnosis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

Abstract

Vogt Koyanagi Harada Syndrome (VKH) is a rare systemic disease (1.5 people per 1 million) involving melanocyte containing organs. It is a granulomatous inflammatory disorder that affects the eyes, auditory system, meninges, skin and may present with neurological findings.[1] VKH occurs in certain ethnic groups that possess darker skin pigmentation such as Native Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and those from the Middle East.[2] Women are usually affected more commonly than men (3:1) and incidence occurs in the third or fourth decade of life.[2] Treatment for this disease is systemic corticosteroids. Herein, we describe a previously healthy 34 year old Metis woman with a three week history of bilateral uveitis presenting with tinnitus and skin pigment changes.