HLA-B7 and HLA-DR2 antigens and acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy
M. D. Wolf, J. C. Folk, C. A. Panknen and N. E. Goeken
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy is a
chorioretinal inflammatory disease occurring in young, healthy adults. Its
cause is unknown, although it frequently follows a flulike illness. We
reexamined 30 patients with documented acute posterior multifocal placoid
pigment epitheliopathy to determine their HLA class I antigen (A and B) and
class II antigen (DR and DQ) distribution. The HLA class I antigen B7 was
found in 12 patients (40.0%) compared with 63 controls (16.6%) (relative
risk, 3.38). The class II antigen DR2 was present in 17 patients (56.7%)
compared with 107 controls (28.2%) (relative risk, 3.34). The specific role
of HLA antigens in uveitis is unknown, but the finding of an increased
prevalence of HLA-B7 and HLA-DR2 antigens in patients with acute posterior
multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy suggests an immunogenetic
predisposition to acquiring this disease.
