Cogan's Syndrome

Timothy C. Hain, MD
Last update: 10/2002

Cogan's syndrome is defined as nonsyphilitic interstitial keratitis (an inflammation of the eye) and bilateral audiovestibular deficits (hearing problems and dizziness). There is generally a brief episode of inflammatory eye disease (interstitial keratitis) followed by bilateral audiovestibular symptoms. The symptoms typically deteriorate progressively within days. While the ESR, WBC, and C-reactive protein test may be abnormal and there may be thrombocytosis or anemia, none of these findings are reliable indicators of the disease. A slit-lamp examination is essential. Recent work has suggested that high-resolution MRI and antibodies to inner ear antigens may be helpful. Very little has been published in recent years on Cogan's syndrome.

A patient with Cogan's syndrome volunteered to put her story on line, and it can be found by clicking here.

See also: Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

References:

• Andler, W., M. Hulse, et al. (1977). "[Cogans's syndrome in childhood (author's transl)]." Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 125(3): 161-4.
• Helmchen C, Jager L, Buttner U, Reiser M, Brandt T. Cogan's syndrome: High resolution MRI indicators of activity. JVR 8,2,155-167, 1998