13 July 2026
: Case report
[In Press] Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease Presenting With Progressive Visual Loss and Multisystem Involvement: A Case Report
Challenging differential diagnosis, Rare disease, Educational Purpose (only if useful for a systematic review or synthesis)
Samah A. ElshweikhDOI: 10.12659/AJCR.952534
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.952534
Available online: 2026-07-13, In Press, Corrected Proof
Publication in the "In-Press" formula aims at speeding up the public availability of the pending manuscript while waiting for the final publication. The assigned DOI number is active and citable. The availability of the article in the Medline, PubMed and PMC databases as well as Web of Science will be obtained after the final publication according to the journal schedule
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a rare autoimmune disorder targeting melanocyte-rich tissues that often presents with bilateral ocular inflammation and multisystem involvement. Early manifestations, such as headache and optic disc edema, can mimic other conditions, leading to diagnostic delays. Clinician awareness is essential, particularly in high-risk populations, to ensure timely intervention.
CASE REPORT
We report the case of a 55-year-old Indian man who presented with a 20-day history of progressive bilateral visual loss, headache, and hearing impairment. Ophthalmologic examination revealed hand motion vision in both eyes, anterior chamber inflammation, disc edema, and serous retinal detachments. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography confirmed neurosensory detachment and disc edema, whereas B-scan ultrasonography demonstrated pronounced choroidal thickening. Brain and orbital magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral focal nodular choroidal lesions. Laboratory investigations excluded infectious, malignant, and systemic inflammatory etiologies. A diagnosis of VKH disease was established based on the clinical presentation, multimodal imaging findings, and revised diagnostic criteria. The patient was treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone followed by a prolonged oral taper; azathioprine was initiated early as a steroid-sparing agent to prevent relapse.
CONCLUSIONS
This case underscores the importance of prompt ophthalmologic evaluation and multimodal imaging in the diagnosis of VKH disease. Early initiation of intensive immunosuppressive therapy may help limit inflammatory progression and reduce long-term complications.
Keywords: Autoimmune Diseases; Case Reports; Ophthalmology; Vision Disorders; Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease
In Press
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.952791
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.952909
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.950868
Most Viewed Current Articles
07 Dec 2021 : Case report
22,759,007
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934347
Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934347
06 Dec 2021 : Case report
175,837
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934406
Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934406
21 Jun 2024 : Case report
120,449
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.944371
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e944371
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
65,460
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133






