The diagnostic clue in this patient is the telltale
loss of hair coloring in the left eyebrow and eyelashes (poliosis) with
contiguous vitiligo. Additional features of this syndrome—all of which this
patient had—include panuveitis, retinal detachment, pinpoint retinal leaks on
fluorescein angiography, and evidence of auditory and central nervous system
dysfunction, including aseptic meningitis. Decreased visual acuity is the rule.
The cause is uncertain, but immune-mediated damage of melanocyte-containing
tissue seems likely. Long-term corticosteroid therapy usually halts further
ocular damage and often improves vision.