HLA-DR2+ intermediate uveitis

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical features of HLA-DR2+ intermediate uveitis. Methods. We present 13 consecutive cases of HLA-DR2+ intermediate uveitis, with specific attention to ophthalmological features, co-existing systemic disorders, and family histories. Seven consecutive cases of HLA-DR2 negative intermediate uveitis are presented for comparison. Results. Eight out of 13 HLA-DR2+ patients have retinal periphlebitis. Five patients have a history of another HLA-DR2 related disorder: 3 have multiple sclerosis, 1 has idiopathic optic neuritis, 1 has narcolepsy. HLA sub-serotyping revealed that all patients carried the HLA-DR15,DQ6 haplotype, which is the haplotype most commonly found in multiple sclerosis. Conclusion. HLA-DR2+ intermediate uveitis is a distinct clinical entity. Affected patients and their family members may be at increased risk for developing a group of HLA-DR2 related disorders, most notably multiple sclerosis.