Uveitis pathophysiology

Uveitis Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Tarek Nafee, M.D. [2]

Pathogenesis

The exact pathogenesis of uveitis is not fully understood. It is thought that uveitis is mediated by either genetic factors, infectious agents, or autoimmune/inflammatory conditions. Up to 35% of cases of uveitis are idiopathic. (REFERENCES) For infectious etiologies of uveitis, it is postulated that the immune reaction directed against foreign molecules or antigens may injure the uveal tract vessels and cells.

When uveitis is found in association with autoimmune disorders, the mechanism may be a hypersensitivity reaction involving immune complex deposition within the uveal tract.

Associated Conditions

• Seronegative spondyloarthropathy
• Sarcoidosis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Behçet's syndrome
• Birdshot retinochoroidopathy
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
• Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada
• Fuch's heterochromic iridocyclitis
• Lyme Disease
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Herpes simplex
• Cytomegalovirus
• Syphilis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Toxocariasis
• Tuberculosis
• Rubella
• Cat scratch disease (Bartonella spp.)

Gross Pathology

Anterior Uveitis
Intermediate Uveitis
Posterior Uveitis

Microscopic Pathology

Anterior Uveitis
Intermediate Uveitis
Posterior Uveitis