Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome vs. Sympathetic Ophthalmia: Two pathologies with many similarities.

Abstract

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome and Sympathetic Ophthalmia (OS) are a group of rare, inflammatory, granulomatous, and autoimmune-related diseases of unknown origin. Both pathologies are characterized by producing ocular involvement in the form of bilateral granulomatous uveitis, and in turn have many similarities in pathogenesis, clinical presentation and physical examination findings. This is why it is of great importance to know the main aspects of both pathologies, as well as their diagnostic criteria, in order to be able to differentiate them properly and avoid making a wrong diagnosis. The treatment of both has been based on reducing the inflammatory process, for which corticosteroids, immunomodulatory drugs and biological drugs have been used, and in some cases even require surgery. The objective of this bibliographical review is to be able to show the most relevant aspects that they share and that differentiate them in order to provide a more comprehensive management to affected patients.