Cogan's syndrome is a rare, multisystem disease which occurs predominantly
in children and young adults. It was originally described as the combinatio
n of interstitial keratitis and audiovestibular disturbance, but other form
s of ocular disease, as well as systemic vasculitis, have since been recogn
ised as part of the syndrome. Diagnosis can be difficult if the various man
ifestations occur separately, but early recognition is important because pr
ompt treatment may prevent deafness. Two cases are presented here illustrat
ing the features of this disease, and providing histological evidence of sy
stemic vasculitis in both.