Uveitis, cogan’s syndrome, and sarcoidosis

INTRODUCTION Uveitis, Cogan’s syndrome (CS), and sarcoidosis are inflammatory disorders in which the predominant manifestations often target the head and neck. However, the head and neck disease may only be a part of a systemic illness with a diverse array of signs and symptoms. The potential for these conditions to be associated with inflammatory disease beyond the head and neck must be taken into account, to ensure appropriate recognition of the full extent of organ system involvement. Uveitis, a type of inflammatory eye disease, may occur in isolation or be a sign of an underlying systemic illness such as ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or sarcoidosis. CS is a distinct, albeit rare, clinical entity characterized by inflammatory ocular and inner ear disease; however, it may also be associated with aortitis and systemic vasculitis, serious problems with potentially devastating consequences. Sarcoidosis affects not only the eye, ear, sinuses, oral cavity, parotid glands, and cervical lymph nodes, but also virtually any organ system in the body. While these three conditions affecting the head and neck are discussed separately in this chapter, they have overlapping clinical features and share many of the same principles of diagnosis and management.