VOGT-KOYANAGI-HARADA DISEASE IN IDENTICAL TWINS

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.