Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada's syndrome and its multisystem involvement.

UNLABELLED

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada's syndrome is a rare disease that affects tissues containing melanocytes, such as the eyes, central nervous system, inner ear and skin. Some ethnic groups have a higher probability of developing the disease, including Asians, Indians and Latin Americans and females are affected more often.

METHODS

Literature was reviewed in books, articles published on the internet and papers available in the online databases MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO. Texts were selected that focused on otorhinolaryngological symptoms.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The disease probably has autoimmune etiology, with aggression occurring on the surface of melanocytes by promoting inflammatory reaction in which T lymphocytes predominate. The allele most often found in association with this disease is HLA DRB1*0405. Clinical manifestations are divided into four stages: prodromal, uveitic, chronic and recurrent. Otorhinolaryngological symptoms occur during the uveitic stage and are characterized by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and vestibular symptoms. Diagnosis is made according to the diagnostic criteria for the disease. Treatment is primarily with corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important that professionals in other specialties are able to recognize Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada’s syndrome, because late diagnosis can lead to ocular and cutaneous sequelae.