Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms affecting multiple systems of the body, including the eyes, skin, nervous system, and auditory organs. It is considered to be a type of uveitis, which refers to inflammation of the uvea - the middle layer of the eye.
This syndrome typically presents with bilateral ocular inflammation, such as uveitis, which can cause eye redness, pain, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. In addition, VKH syndrome may lead to skin pigment changes, such as depigmentation or hyperpigmentation, especially in areas like the hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
Neurological manifestations of VKH syndrome involve inflammation of the meninges, causing symptoms like headache, meningismus, neck stiffness, and even neurological deficits. Auditory disturbances, including tinnitus and hearing loss, are also observed in some cases.
The underlying cause of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome is believed to be an immune-mediated attack against melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells found in the skin, eyes, and inner ear. While the exact cause of this autoimmune response remains unclear, genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute.
Treatment for VKH syndrome typically involves immunosuppressive therapy to alleviate the inflammation and prevent further damage to affected organs, which may include corticosteroids, immunomodulatory drugs, or biological agents. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help in reducing the risk of vision loss and managing the associated symptoms.
