Unique clinical spectrum with distinguishing diagnostic features in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome

Abstract

A 36-year-old ulcerative colitis male patient on treatment for 7 years was referred to dermatology with resistant alopecia universalis and hypopigmented patches on limbs for 5 months. During this time he also reported to ophthalmology with acute bilateral decreased vision for 5 days. His examination revealed hyperaemic discs, multifocal retinal detachments and choroidal granulomas. Taking into account the revised diagnostic criteria, atypical course of disease in the form of early cutaneous presentation followed by ophthalmic manifestations was attributed to Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKHS) which was supported by relevant investigations including ophthalmic imaging, MRI and nerve conduction studies. Subclinical nerve conduction abnormalities and white matter demyelination were also seen for the first time in a patient of VKHS. Appropriate treatment was required to prevent visual complications; therefore, systemic corticosteroids with steroid sparing immunosuppressive drug therapy showed significant improvement in vision on follow-up. Cutaneous manifestations were resilient to the entire regimen.