Conjunctival nodules associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2007 Sep;245(9):1383-6. doi: 10.1007/s00417-007-0540-6. Epub 2007 Feb 14.

Abstract

Background: To report on conjunctival nodules as an unusual manifestation of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

Methods: A 24-year-old woman presented with a two-month history of bilateral conjunctival injection and gradually decreased vision. Ophthalmological examinations revealed bilateral granulomatous uveitis and bulbar conjunctival nodules, and a biopsy of the conjunctival nodules was performed.

Results: The biopsy specimens showed noncaseating granulomas. The major components of the infiltrating lymphocytes were CD8-positive T cells. Topical corticosteroid therapy reduced the anterior segment inflammation, and the conjunctival nodules disappeared within a week. Afterwards, the patient demonstrated bilateral retinal detachments, sunset glow fundus and alopecia, and, therefore, was diagnosed to have Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease four months after the first symptoms.

Conclusions: Conjunctival nodules may represent the primary manifestation of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Conjunctival Diseases / diagnosis
  • Conjunctival Diseases / etiology*
  • Conjunctival Diseases / metabolism
  • Female
  • Granuloma / diagnosis
  • Granuloma / etiology*
  • Granuloma / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome / complications*
  • Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD