Optical coherence tomography in the acute and chronic phases of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

Purpose: To assess the potential of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the diagnosis and monitoring of serous retinal detachment in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease and to describe OCT characteristics of subretinal sequelae of the disease. Methods: Six patients in the acute phase of VKH disease with serous retinal detachment were followed in our department from July 2001 to December 2003 using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, OCT, and fluorescein angiography. Results: OCT was effective in objectively quantifying the amount of serous retinal detachment present and then in following the resolution of subretinal fluid accumulation. Subretinal pigmented lesions on angiography corresponded with retinal pigment epithelium hypertrophy and fibrosis on OCT. Conclusion: A beneficial effect of treatment was observed within days, paralleling the improvement in visual acuity. Retinal pigment epithelium hypertrophy and fibrosis in the chronic phase of the disease were analyzed with OCT for the first time.