Uveomeningitis

Uveomeningitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of both the uvea and meninges and may develop secondary to infections, autoimmune diseases, or neoplasms. It may also present as a primary condition without evident underlying disease. Since treatment is directed toward the underlying etiology, identification of the cause is necessary. The diagnostic workup includes detailed ophthalmological examination, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, as well as specific additional tests according to the clinical context. Patients with uveomeningitis especially associated with noninfectious uveitis are treated with systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. From a pathophysiological standpoint, the combination of uveitis and meningitis can be explained by the continuity of the choroid with the subarachnoid space, hence the inflammation shared by the two anatomical structures. However, uveitis and meningitis can result from similar but independent autoimmune mechanisms. In this regard, the loss of peripheral immune tolerance and expression of common antigens have been suggested as possible autoimmune mechanisms.