Which condition is identified as pathognomonic for uveitis?

Which condition is identified as pathognomonic for uveitis?

• A. Cataracts
• B. Rubeosis iridis
• C. Retinal detachment
• D. Corneal ulcers

Answer: (B)

Rubeosis iridis is the condition that is considered pathognomonic for uveitis. This term refers to the abnormal proliferation of blood vessels on the iris, indicating underlying inflammation or neovascularization due to conditions that affect the uveal tract, such as uveitis. When rubeosis iridis is observed, it suggests a response to persistent inflammation in the eye, often leading to further complications if not addressed. Other conditions listed, such as cataracts, retinal detachment, and corneal ulcers, may occur in conjunction with uveitis but are not exclusively indicative of this inflammatory process. Cataracts can develop from a variety of causes, including chronic inflammation, but they are not specific to uveitis. Retinal detachment can occur due to various ocular issues, and corneal ulcers can result from a range of factors, including trauma, infection, or other ocular diseases. Therefore, while these conditions can be associated with uveitis, they do not serve as a definitive marker for it like rubeosis iridis does.

Rubeosis iridis is the condition that is considered pathognomonic for uveitis. This term refers to the abnormal proliferation of blood vessels on the iris, indicating underlying inflammation or neovascularization due to conditions that affect the uveal tract, such as uveitis. When rubeosis iridis is observed, it suggests a response to persistent inflammation in the eye, often leading to further complications if not addressed.

Other conditions listed, such as cataracts, retinal detachment, and corneal ulcers, may occur in conjunction with uveitis but are not exclusively indicative of this inflammatory process. Cataracts can develop from a variety of causes, including chronic inflammation, but they are not specific to uveitis. Retinal detachment can occur due to various ocular issues, and corneal ulcers can result from a range of factors, including trauma, infection, or other ocular diseases. Therefore, while these conditions can be associated with uveitis, they do not serve as a definitive marker for it like rubeosis iridis does.