Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in identical twins

Retina. 1994;14(5):435-7. doi: 10.1097/00006982-199414050-00008.

Abstract

Background: Certain aspects in the development of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease are documented, and immunogenetic studies have revealed a high relevance of some HLA types. Roles of possible environmental factors in disease onset are not fully understood, however.

Methods: Two cases involving monozygotic twin sisters who were diagnosed as having VKH disease and followed for more than 2 years are presented.

Results: Both patients showed the diffuse panuveitis that is characteristic of VKH disease and shared the same HLA typings. However, there was a 16-year time lag between onset of disease in the two patients, and many differences in their lifestyles before disease onset were noted.

Conclusion: Although certain endogenous factors play an important role in the development of VKH disease, some exogenous factors may also affect the onset of the disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Twin Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diseases in Twins*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Twins, Monozygotic / genetics*
  • Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome / genetics*