American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Uveitis is commonly associated with which of the following?

1. Gastrointestinal infections

2. Autoimmune disorders

3. Ocular trauma

4. Systemic allergies

The correct answer is: Autoimmune disorders

Uveitis, which refers to inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye, is frequently associated with autoimmune disorders. This connection arises because many autoimmune conditions can lead to systemic inflammation, which can extend to the eyes and specifically affect the uveal tissues. Conditions such as sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus are well-documented associations. In these diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation that is not just limited to one organ system but can affect multiple systems, including the ocular system. While the other listed options might have some indirect relationships with uveitis, they are less direct or common compared to autoimmune disorders. Gastrointestinal infections may occasionally manifest with ocular symptoms, but they are not a primary cause of uveitis. Ocular trauma can lead to inflammation but typically results in different types of intraocular inflammation rather than classic uveitis associated with systemic diseases. Systemic allergies can cause allergic conjunctivitis and other eye-related symptoms, but they do not typically result in uveitis. Thus, autoimmune disorders remain the most significant and direct association with uveitis, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive evaluation in patients presenting with this condition.