HTLV-I associated uveitis revisited: characteristic grey-white, granular deposits on retinal vessels. Issue 8 (August 1996)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nakao, K; Ohba, N
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 80:Issue 8(1996)
• Page Start: 719
• Page End: 722
• Publication Date: 1996-08
• Subjects: Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.80.8.719
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : AIMS: To elucidate whether there exists any clinical sign characteristic of HTLV-I associated uveitis. METHODS: Fifty five patients with HTLV-I associated uveitis were reviewed. These cases had serum antibodies to HTLV-I, and any other uveitis entities were carefully excluded by means of clinical and laboratory studies. RESULTS: Eight cases (14.5%) developed vascular lesions in the retina, characterised by grey-white, granular deposits scattered on the retinal veins and/or arteries in the posterior pole. The vascular changes did not accompany any haemorrhage, sheathing, or leakage of fluorescent dye on angiograms, and the retina was otherwise unremarkable. A single or clustered form of similar materials was also found to deposit on the vitreo-retinal interface of the foveolar area. These deposits resolved in a few weeks spontaneously or in response to corticosteroids together with anterior uveal inflammation. CONCLUSION: The vascular lesions described here suggest a characteristic sign for HTLV-I associated uveitis, and it may provide, if recognised, an additional clinical marker to establish diagnosis.