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HTLV-1 Associated Uveitis (HAU)

Description

Human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) Type 1 can cause a uveitis, which may be the only manifestation of the infection. HTLV-1 should be suspected as the cause of unexplained uveitis, especially in an adult from a country where the infection is endemic.


 

Clinical presentation:

(1) visual blurring

(2) floaters or "flying flies"

(3) dry eye

 

Ophthalmologic involvement:

(1) vasculitis, exudation and/or degeneration of the peripheral retina

(2) keratoconjunctivitis sicca which may be associated with keratitis and/or corneal ulcerations

(3) uveitis (HTLV-1 associated, or HAU) with or without granulomatous inflammation

(4) vitreous opacities

 

Some patients show other manifestations of HTLV-1 infection such HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM).

 

Some patients will present with Sjogren's syndrome, but rheumatologic markers will be negative.

 


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