Autofluorescence findings in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

Abstract

Purpose

To report shortwave autofluorescence (SW-AF) and near infrared autofluorescence (NIR-AF) findings in a case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

Methods

A 22-year-old man presented with a 2-week history of headache, moderate hearing loss, discolored hair, and bilateral gradually decreased vision (20/800 bilaterally). Ophthalmologic examinations revealed bilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis and multiple patchy bullous retinal detachments. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), SW-AF, and NIR-AF imaging were performed with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope at the beginning and after resolution. The patient responded well to systemic prednisolone treatment. Visual acuity and hearing loss improved quickly (visual acuity 16/20 bilaterally).

Results

Multilobular dye pooling with a dark rim was observed in serous detached retinal areas on late-phase FFA. These areas were observed as hypoAF in SW-AF and NIR-AF mode due to the blockage. After resolution of serous detachment, numerous hypoAF granular dots were observed scattered over the previously serous detached areas in SW-AF and NIR-AF mode. These hypoAF granular dots were seen as window defect lesion in FFA and interpreted as retinal pigment epithelial damage or atrophy.

Conclusions

SW-AF and NIR-AF imaging confirmed granular retinal pigment epithelium atrophy which corresponds to FFA findings. SW-AF and NIR-AF imaging methods are noninvasive and useful techniques for documentation of fundus changes in VKH disease.