[Cogan I syndrome: too often detected too late? A contribution to early diagnosis of Cogan I syndrome].

BACKGROUND

Cogan's syndrome is an uncommon disease characterized by ocular inflammation, vestibuloauditory dysfunction and symptoms of systemic disease. The etiology is unknown, however there is evidence for an autoimmune pathogenesis. The "typical" Cogan's syndrome presents as bilateral interstitial keratitis and progressing vestibuloauditory dysfunction. The presence of other inflammatory manifestations in addition of keratitis has been termed as "atypical" Cogan's syndrome.

PATIENTS

We report on six patients presenting with typical as well as atypical ocular manifestations between 1982 and 1994. Typically, the illness was accompanied by systemic symptoms. Each patient had audiovestibular involvement, that was the initial presentation in 4 cases. Vestibular dysfunction often preceded hearing loss. Five of our patients not only presented with keratitis but also demonstrated signs of ocular inflammation diagnosed as scleritis or episcleritis. In two patients these ocular symptoms were the first signs of Cogan's syndrome, recurred periodically and did not respond to corticosteroids.

RESULTS

In 3 patients that were diagnosed early and treatment with corticosteroids was initiated early, hearing could be stabilized, in the remaining patients total bilateral deafness could not be prevented.

CONCLUSION

The importance of being aware that vestibuloauditory dysfunction may occur in patients with ocular inflammation, and the fact that early immunotherapy may prevent the risk of deafness, has to be emphasized.