Systemic diseases with posterior uveitis

Systemic diseases with posterior uveitis (Orphanet code 280930) is a classification group rather than a single disease entity. It encompasses a collection of systemic (whole-body) conditions that share the common feature of posterior uveitis — inflammation affecting the back part of the eye, including the choroid, retina, and vitreous humor. Posterior uveitis can lead to significant visual impairment if untreated, with symptoms including blurred vision, floaters, photophobia, and in severe cases, vision loss. The systemic diseases grouped under this category include conditions such as sarcoidosis, Behçet disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and certain infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis). These conditions affect multiple organ systems beyond the eye, including the skin, joints, lungs, nervous system, and blood vessels, depending on the specific underlying disease. The ocular inflammation in posterior uveitis may be the presenting feature or may develop during the course of the systemic illness. Treatment depends on the underlying systemic condition and typically involves corticosteroids to control acute inflammation, along with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agents (such as methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, or biologic therapies like anti-TNF agents) for chronic or recurrent disease. Antimicrobial therapy is used when an infectious etiology is identified. Early diagnosis and coordinated care between ophthalmologists and relevant specialists (rheumatologists, pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists) are essential to preserve vision and manage systemic manifestations.

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