Optic neuritis--etiology?

A 44-year-old otherwise healthy woman was referred to Washington University with previous diagnoses of para planitis and retrobulbar neuritis, and with a current complaint of markedly decreased vision (light perception only) in the right eye. Among the findings at the time of this evaluation were posterior uveitis and evidence of optic neuropathy and of a disordered immune system. The patient responded to pulsed high-dose corticosteroid therapy. A subsequent similar episode in the left eye also was resolved with such treatment. Dr. Burde describes the case in detail and asks Drs. Keltner, Gittinger and Miller to offer diagnoses. Their answers vary considerably.