Causes of granulomatous uveitis at a referral centre

Abstract

Background: Granulomatous uveitis is a heterogeneous group of disorders and diverse underlyingEtiologies with wide geographical variations.The aim of the study: Is to determine the regional causes of granulomatous uveitis in a referral center in Iraq.Method: This prospective case series observational study was undertaken at Iraq's Ibn-alhaitham teaching eye hospital from March 2020 to March 2021. Patients with active granulomatous uveitis were studied. All patients had a comprehensive ophthalmological exam and normal laboratory testing. Other targeted tests were done if appropriate based on the clinical picture.Results: A study of 94 eyes from 55 patients found the most frequent underlying cause of eye issues was VKH in 42 eyes (44.68%) across 21 patients. The second most common cause was presumed ocular TB, affecting 28 eyes (29.79%) in 15 patients, who were older on average (37.7±14.4 years) and responded well to anti-tuberculous treatment. Toxoplasmosis, viral anterior uveitis, and presumed/probable ocular sarcoidosis were less common, affecting 10 eyes (10.63%), 6 eyes (6.38%), and 4 eyes (4.26%) respectively.Conclusion: In a referral centre in Iraq, VKH (42 eyes) (44.68%) caused the most granulomatous uveitis, followed by presumed ocular TB (28 eyes) (29.79%), ocular toxoplasmosis (10 eyes) (10.63%), viral anterior uveitis (6 eyes) (6.38%), and presumed and probable ocular sarcoidosis (4 eyes) (4.26%).