Fuchs' Uveitis Syndrome: No Longer a Syndrome?

<bold>Purpose: </bold>Rubella virus (RV) has a central role in the etiopathogenesis of Fuchs' uveitis syndrome (FUS). We aim to offer new insights by comprehensive analysis of recent laboratory and epidemiologic data.<bold>Methods: </bold>We conducted a literature search for laboratory data and papers on etiopathogenesis.<bold>Results: </bold>Aqueous humour samples of FUS patients show immunoreactivity to RV, in a specific and sensitive manner. Identification of RV genome confirm intraocular infection in a subset of FUS patients. Epidemiologic findings further support causality. The clinical spectrum of RV-associated uveitis is similar but not identical to FUS. FUS eyes exhibit a predominance of CD8 + T cells, high IFN-? and IL-10 levels.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>RV is the leading cause of FUS. Cytokine-based findings mirror a viral etiology and chronic low-grade inflammation. RV-associated FUS represents a common pathway of intraocular RV inoculation after congenital or acquired infection. Other causes, including HSV and CMV, may lead to FUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]