Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) is a unilateral anterior uveitis that is characteristically DIFFERENT from other forms of anterior uveitis in which way?
- A It causes posterior synechiae and pupillary membrane formation
- B It is associated with HLA-B27 spondylarthropathy
- C It has fine stellate keratic precipitates throughout the corneal endothelium, iris heterochromia, no posterior synechiae, no acute pain, and is commonly associated with cataract and open-angle glaucoma ✓
- D It responds rapidly to topical corticosteroids
Explanation
Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis is a distinctive chronic low-grade anterior uveitis characterized by: unilateral disease; diffuse fine 'stellate' KPs distributed across the entire corneal endothelium (not inferiorly concentrated as in other anterior uveitides); iris heterochromia (affected eye lighter due to iris stromal atrophy); absence of posterior synechiae (despite chronic inflammation); no acute pain or photophobia; and complications of cataract (70%) and open-angle glaucoma (15%). Rubella virus has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Topical steroids and mydriatics are NOT standard treatment as the inflammation is low-grade and self-limiting.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.