Ocular sarcoidosis, to screen or not to screen?

Ocular sarcoidosis most commonly presents with symptoms and is first diagnosed before systemic sarcoidosis in at least half of the patients with sarcoidosis. Prevalence of ocular involvement in sarcoidosis varies between 2-80% depending on the study setting, included ocular diseases, and studied population. In many studies, ocular involvement in sarcoidosis has been overestimated mainly because study populations have been collected from eye clinics and because the study criteria have included ocular findings or symptoms that do not require treatment or monitoring. In a screening setting, asymptomatic ocular sarcoidosis has been detected in only 2-5%. 0-1% of the screened sarcoidosis patients have required treatment. For these reasons, ocular screening in sarcoidosis seems generally of little value. Patients with sarcoidosis who present with ocular symptoms should be screened for ocular sarcoidosis in a timely manner because they are at high risk of ocular disease.

Ocular Sarcoidosis and Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 2: A Case Report

PURPOSE

to describe a clinical case of ocular sarcoidosis in a patient with Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 2 (APS-2).

METHODS

an 86-year-old female diagnosed with APS-2 was referred to our uveitis department with rapid visual loss in her left eye during a 3-month period. Her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was counting fingers in her left eye (OS) and 20/40 in her right eye (OD). Slit-lamp biomicroscopy was unremarkable OD but revealed granulomatous keratic precipitates OS. Fundoscopy revealed bilateral optic disc oedema and +2 and 4+ vitritis (SUN classification) in her OD and OS, respectively.

RESULTS

the patient underwent chest X-Ray which revealed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and fibrosis. On high-resolution computed tomography of the lungs, ground-glass opacities were visible, and a diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis was presumed. After exclusion of infectious diseases, the patient was treated with methotrexate and oral corticosteroids and there was substantial improvement of the optic nerve oedema and vitritis. At the most recent visit, 2 years later, OS BCVA was 20/50.

CONCLUSION

There may be an association between ocular sarcoidosis and APS or other autoimmune disorders.

Quantitative evaluation of retinal and choroidal microcirculation in inactive ocular sarcoidosis

Purpose

To evaluate retinal and choroidal alterations in eyes with inactive ocular sarcoidosis and to compare the findings with healthy controls.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 11 patients with inactive ocular sarcoidosis (study group) and 11 healthy individuals (control group). Retinal and choroidal vascular differences were evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).

Results

A total of 21 eyes of ocular sarcoidosis patients without active inflammation and 22 eyes of healthy controls were analyzed. The mean whole-image deep capillary plexus vessel density was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P = 0.03). The acircularity index values were significantly higher, and the foveal density-300 values were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P = 0.01, both). The flow areas of the choriocapillaris at 1-, 2-, and 3-mm radius areas were also significantly lower in the study group (all P < 0.01). The mean choroidal thickness (CT) was significantly lower in all regions between nasal and temporal at 3000 μm in the study group (all P < 0.05). The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) values were also significantly lower in the study group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Ocular sarcoidosis was associated with a reduction in CT and the CVI with a decrease in retinal vessel density and choriocapillary flow parameters. The combination of OCTA and EDI-OCT imaging may be useful in monitoring ocular sarcoidosis eyes to detect alterations in the retinal and choroidal layers.

Low utility of ocular screening in sarcoidosis in Finland

PURPOSE

Systematic ocular screening is recommended in sarcoidosis, because of a high rate of ocular involvement. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ocular screening is useful in sarcoidosis in a Finnish university hospital population with 0.5 M inhabitants.

METHODS

Patient charts of patients with sarcoidosis, without a history of ocular sarcoidosis, without ocular inflammatory symptoms, and with a comprehensive eye exam from January 2014 to January 2021 at Tays Eye Centre, Tampere, Finland, were studied.

RESULTS

Five of 262 patients (2%) were diagnosed with asymptomatic uveitis. No other types of ocular sarcoidosis were found. Anterior uveitis without complications was present in three patients, unilaterally in two and bilaterally in one patient. Posterior uveitis was present in two patients, a unilateral choroidal granuloma requiring treatment in one and bilateral punched-out chorioretinal lesions in the other patient.

CONCLUSIONS

With this low rate of ocular involvement requiring treatment in sarcoidosis, systematic screening for asymptomatic ocular sarcoidosis does not seem useful in a Finnish population. In Tays Eye Centre, systematic screening of ocular sarcoidosis was discontinued in 2021.

Sarcoidosis-Related Uveitis: A Review

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that involves the eyes in 10-55% of cases, sometimes without systemic involvement. All eye structures can be affected, but uveitis is the most common ocular manifestation and causes vision loss. The typical ophthalmological appearance of these uveitis is granulomatous (in cases with anterior involvement), which are usually bilateral and with synechiae. Posterior involvement includes vitritis, vasculitis and choroidal lesions. Tuberculosis is a classic differential diagnosis to be wary of, especially in people who have spent time in endemic areas. The diagnosis is based on histology with the presence of non-caseating epithelioid granulomas. However, due to the technical difficulty and yield of biopsies, the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis is often based on clinico-radiological features. The international criteria for the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis have recently been revised. Corticosteroids remain the first-line treatment for sarcoidosis, but up to 30% of patients require high doses, justifying the use of corticosteroid-sparing treatments. In these cases, immunosuppressive treatments such as methotrexate may be introduced. More recent biotherapies such as anti-TNF are also very effective (as they are in other non-infectious uveitis etiologies).

Unusual Corneal Sarcoidosis Manifestations

AIM

To document atypical presenting forms of ocular sarcoidosis at the corneal level.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 63-year-old woman presented multiple uncommon unilateral primary corneal conditions as manifestation of ocular sarcoidosis, including peripheral ulcerative keratitis, sterile corneal infiltrate (corneal granuloma), and sterile infiltrates related to a corneal foreign body, requiring medical and surgical management to control the inflammatory symptoms and to preserve the integrity of the eyeball. An excisional biopsy of a nodule in the temporal conjunctiva was performed under topical anesthesia. Histological analysis revealed a non-caseating granuloma, confirming the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis.

CONCLUSION

When thinking of ocular involvement in patients with ocular sarcoidosis, it is essential to remember that manifestations such as peripheral ulcerative keratitis, sterile corneal infiltrate, and sterile foreign body-related infiltrates may be presentations of this disease.

Progress in the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous inflammation that affects multiple organ systems. The spectrum of extraocular and ocular involvement is wide and may precede systemic involvement. The diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis relies on a combination of clinical findings, laboratory investigations, and radiographic findings. These include but are not limited to serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), lysozyme, plain-film radiographs of the chest, computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest, pulmonary function testing, bronchoalveolar lavage, and retinal imaging among others. In this review, we highlight current and evolving systemic investigations and approaches to ophthalmic imaging when considering the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis.

Erythema nodosum-like sarcoid lesion: a specific skin manifestation occasionally seen in Japanese sarcoidosis patients

Background

Erythema nodosum-like sarcoid lesion is a specific form of cutaneous sarcoidosis sometimes observed in Japanese patients, with a female predominance, involving the lower extremities. By contrast, erythema nodosum as a non-specific cutaneous manifestation associated with sarcoidosis is rare in Japan. Erythema nodosum-like sarcoid lesion resembles erythema nodosum only in appearance, but histologically shows sarcoid granulomas.

Objectives

To determine the clinical characteristics of erythema nodosum-like sarcoid lesion.

Methods

We examined the clinical characteristics of erythema nodosum-like sarcoid lesion in our patients with sarcoidosis. Clinical charts were retrospectively examined from 2000 to 2019. The patients' data, such as age, gender, types of cutaneous lesion, serum levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme, and extracutaneous organ involvement, were evaluated. We also reviewed cases of erythema nodosum-like sarcoid lesion reported in previous literature.

Results

Among 101 cutaneous sarcoidosis patients, eight were diagnosed as having erythema nodosum-like sarcoid lesion in our department. The patients were one male and seven females, and their ages ranged from 30 to 74 years old. All cases involved the lower extremities. The serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level was elevated in five cases. Lung sarcoidosis was observed in all cases, and ocular sarcoidosis was observed in six cases, whereas no patients had cardiac sarcoidosis.

Conclusions

Although erythema nodosum-like sarcoid lesion may not be major skin manifestation of sarcoidosis, erythema nodosum-like sarcoid lesion frequently accompanies lung and ocular sarcoidosis. Thus, we should pay much attention to erythema nodosum-like sarcoid lesion for early identification of patients needing workup for systemic illness.

Findings and Graduation of Sarcoidosis-Related Uveitis: A Single-Center Study

Ocular involvement is present in up to 79% of sarcoid patients. Uveitis is the main ocular manifestation and presents as a chronic intraocular inflammatory condition with potentially detrimental effects on visual acuity and quality of life. This retrospective study was conducted to explore the incidence and characteristics of ocular sarcoidosis in a single tertiary ophthalmology center. Medical records of 84 patients presenting between June 2007 and March 2021 were analyzed. Based on the “International Workshop on Ocular Sarcoidosis” (IWOS) criteria, ocular sarcoidosis was determined as: definite (n = 24; 28.6%), presumed (n = 33; 39.3%), probable (n = 10; 11.9%), and indefinite (n = 17; 20.2%) in our study population. In 43.9% of the definite and presumed cases, the eye was primarily affected. In addition to specific ocular findings, the diagnosis was supported by biopsy (28.6%) and chest x-ray or computer tomography (66.7%). Moreover, an increased soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) expression (76.2%), elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels (34.8%), and lymphocytopenia (35.1%) were valuable laboratory findings. Co-affected organs were lungs (60.7%), skin (15.5%), and central nervous system (8.3%). Our findings support the prominent role of the eye in the early detection of sarcoidosis. In addition to the IWOS criteria, sIL-2R, in particular, was shown to be relevant in establishing the diagnosis.

Identification of microbial agents in tissue specimens of ocular and periocular sarcoidosis using a metagenomics approach

Background: Metagenomic sequencing has the potential to identify a wide range of pathogens in human tissue samples. Sarcoidosis is a complex disorder whose etiology remains unknown and for which a variety of infectious causes have been hypothesized. We sought to conduct metagenomic sequencing on cases of ocular and periocular sarcoidosis, none of them with previously identified infectious causes. Methods: Archival tissue specimens of 16 subjects with biopsies of ocular and periocular tissues that were positive for non-caseating granulomas were used as cases. Four archival tissue specimens that did not demonstrate non-caseating granulomas were also included as controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from tissue sections. DNA libraries were generated from the extracted genomic DNA and the libraries underwent next-generation sequencing. Results: We generated between 4.8 and 20.7 million reads for each of the 16 cases plus four control samples. For eight of the cases, we identified microbial pathogens that were present well above the background, with one potential pathogen identified for seven of the cases and two possible pathogens for one of the cases. Five of the eight cases were associated with bacteria ( Campylobacter concisus, Neisseria elongata, Streptococcus salivarius, Pseudopropionibacterium propionicum, and Paracoccus yeei), two cases with fungi ( Exophiala oligosperma, Lomentospora prolificans and Aspergillus versicolor) and one case with a virus (Mupapillomavirus 1). Interestingly, four of the five bacterial species are also part of the human oral microbiome. Conclusions: Using a metagenomic sequencing we identified possible infectious causes in half of the ocular and periocular sarcoidosis cases analyzed. Our findings support the proposition that sarcoidosis could be an etiologically heterogenous disease. Because these are previously banked samples, direct follow-up in the respective patients is impossible, but these results suggest that sequencing may be a valuable tool in better understanding the etiopathogenesis of sarcoidosis and in diagnosing and treating this disease.

Pathogenesis of Non-Infectious Uveitis Elucidated by Recent Genetic Findings

Uveitis is a generic term for inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Prevalence of underlying non-infectious uveitis varies by race and region and is a major cause of legal blindness in developed countries. Although the etiology remains unclear, the involvement of both genetic and environmental factors is considered important for the onset of many forms of non-infectious uveitis. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, which play a major role in human immune response, have been reported to be strongly associated as genetic risk factors in several forms of non-infectious uveitis. Behçet’s disease, acute anterior uveitis (AAU), and chorioretinopathy are strongly correlated with MHC class I-specific alleles. Moreover, sarcoidosis and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease are associated with MHC class II-specific alleles. These correlations can help immunogenetically classify the immune pathway involved in each form of non-infectious uveitis. Genetic studies, including recent genome-wide association studies, have identified several susceptibility genes apart from those in the MHC region. These genetic findings help define the common or specific pathogenesis of ocular inflammatory diseases by comparing the susceptibility genes of each form of non-infectious uveitis. Interestingly, genome-wide association of the interleukin (IL)23R region has been identified in many of the major forms of non-infectious uveitis, such as Behçet’s disease, ocular sarcoidosis, VKH disease, and AAU. The interleukin-23 (IL-23) receptor, encoded by IL23R, is expressed on the cell surface of Th17 cells. IL-23 is involved in the homeostasis of Th17 cells and the production of IL-17, which is an inflammatory cytokine, indicating that a Th17 immune response is a common key in the pathogenesis of non-infectious uveitis. Based on the findings from the immunogenetics of non-infectious uveitis, a personalized treatment approach based on the patient’s genetic make-up is expected.

The Comparative Value of Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) and Lysozyme and the Use of Polyclonal Antibody Activation in the Work-up of Ocular Sarcoidosis

Background: The diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis (OS) is difficult to establish in the absence of manifest systemic involvement. To help clinicians reach a diagnosis, we convened a group of experts in 2006 (International Workshop on Ocular Sarcoidosis (IWOS)) to set-up clinical criteria for the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis. In addition, laboratory investigational tests represent a much-needed adjunct to ascertain the diagnosis. However, many of these tests have low sensitivity and specificity. Purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of serum ACE, serum lysozyme and polyclonal antibody activation in the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis and compare the frequency of increased serum levels of lysozyme and ACE in proven ocular sarcoidosis or in suspected ocular sarcoidosis. Methods: Serum ACE and lysozyme were assessed in these two groups and their means compared to a group of non-granulomatous (i.e., non-sarcoidosis) uveitis patients. The proportion of elevated serum ACE versus lysozyme was compared in the sarcoidosis patients. Polyclonal antibody activation was measured by establishing exposition of patients to four human commensal herpesviruses (EBV, CMV, HSV and VZV) using ELISA or immunofluorescence and in parallel by performing quantitative complement fixation (CF) serologies. The ratio of elevated CF to positive ELISA/immunofluorescence serologies was calculated. The mean of ratios (polyclonal antibody activation) was compared between ocular sarcoidosis and control groups. Results: Thirty-seven patients (F24/M13) were included in our study including 17 patients with IWOS Level 1 and 2 criteria qualifying for Group 1 (proven sarcoidosis) and 20 ocular sarcoidosis suspect patients. Mean age was 54.52 ± 23.74. Mean serum levels of ACE was 49.17± 29 IU/L in the ocular sarcoidosis group versus 27.4 ± 15.34 IU/L (p ≤ 0.00018, student’s t test) in the control group. Mean serum lysozyme levels was 39.92 ± 55.5 mg/L in the ocular sarcoidosis group versus 10.5 ± 5.8 mg/L (p ≤ 0.0013) in the control group (n = 30). Both tests were elevated in 8/37 (21.6%) patients, elevated ACE and normal lysozyme was noted in 2/37 (5.4%) patients, whereas the proportion of normal ACE/elevated lysozyme was much higher, 23/37 (62.2%). In 4/37 (10.8%) patients, both tests were normal. The mean score of polyclonal activation (N of elevated CF serologies divided by number of viruses to which a patient was exposed) was 0.6 ± 0.33 in the ocular sarcoidosis group versus 0.15 ± 0.2 for the control group (n = 42) (p ≤ 0.00001). Sensitivity and specificity of ACE and lysozyme were, respectively, 27%/96.6% and 83.7%/90%. Sensitivity and specificity of polyclonal antibody activation amounted to 70%/90.4% Conclusion: Lysozyme was found to be much more useful than ACE as a laboratory test to support the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis. As shown in a previous study, polyclonal antibody activation appears to be another useful laboratory test supportive of the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis.

Multiple Faces of Eyelid Involvement in Sarcoidosis

Purpose: To report three cases of eyelid involvement by sarcoidosis. In one of them, it mimicked a malignant lesion.Methods: Retrospective case reports.Results: A 73-year-old man presented with destruction of the left lower eyelid for 2 years. He had granulomatous uveitis in the left eye. Chest CT scan showed parenchymal abnormalities that could correspond to sarcoidosis. Skin biopsy revealed noncaseating granuloma. Oral and topical corticosteroids resulted in improvement of the condition. A 72-year-old female patient presented with cutaneous infiltration of the left upper eyelid for 1 month. Biopsy was consistent with sarcoidosis. Endobronchial biopsies showed interstitial fibrosis. Oral prednisone improved the condition. A 65-year-old female patient presented with edema of the right upper eyelid for 2 months. Full-thickness biopsy showed granuloma without necrosis. There was an improvement with oral steroid.Conclusion: Although eyelid involvement in sarcoidosis is uncommon, different forms of presentation, including destructive lesions, can be observed.

Ocular Manifestations of Sarcoidosis in a South Florida Population

Objective

To describe the ocular manifestations of sarcoidosis in a South Florida population and identify risk factors for the presence of ocular disease.

Design

Retrospective consecutive case series.

Methods

Medical charts of individuals with sarcoidosis seen in the University of Miami pulmonary department were reviewed for ocular disease. Odds ratios were used to identify risk factors for ocular sarcoidosis.

Results

Fourteen of 108 individuals with sarcoidosis had ocular involvement. The mean age of the 14 individuals was 56±15 years. Seventy-one percent were female, 50% were black, and 21% were Hispanic. Twelve had uveitis of which panuveitis was the most common subtype. Five had ≤20/70 vision in at least one eye due to uveitis. Neurosarcoidosis was a risk factor for ocular sarcoidosis (OR 6.14, p=0.03, 95% CI 1.21–31.09).

Conclusion

Ocular manifestations occurred in a minority of individuals in a pulmonary sarcoidosis clinic in South Florida. Uveitis was the most common ocular manifestation. Neurosarcoidosis was a risk factor for ocular involvement.

Œdème papillaire isolé révélant une sarcoïdose oculaire

La sarcoïdose est une granulomatose multisystémique d'étiologie inconnue, défini par la présence de granulomes épithélioïdes et gigantocellulaires, sans nécrose caséeuse. La sarcoïdose oculaire se manifeste essentiellement par une uvéite antérieure granulomateuse et bilatérale. L'atteinte postérieure au cours de la sarcoïdose oculaire est rare et se manifeste par des périphlébites ou une atteinte choroïdienne. L'œdème papillaire isolé au cours est un tableau atypique d'où la particularité de notre observation. L'atteinte postérieure est un élément de mauvais pronostic menaçant le pronostic visuel, une prise en charge rapide en collaboration avec les pneumologues par corticothérapie systémique permet d'améliorer le pronostic visuel et limiter les complications.

Granuloma-like formation in deeper retinal plexus in ocular sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease characterized by the presence of non-caseating epithelioid granulomas in affected tissues and the most frequent cause of noninfectious uveitis in Japan. Ocular manifestations of sarcoid uveitis vary enormously and commonly characterized by granulomatous anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, and posterior uveitis such as retinal periphlebitis, choroiditis, optic nerve granuloma and papillitis. However, case reports of multiple granuloma formation related to sarcoid uveitis is uncommon. This report describes the use of optical coherence tomography angiography to visualize changes occurring in granuloma formation in deeper retinal plexus before and after systemic corticosteroid treatment.

Familial Blau syndrome:First molecularly confirmed report from India

Blau syndrome (BS) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder characterized by the clinical triad of arthritis, uveitis, and dermatitis due to heterozygous gain-of-function mutations in the NOD2 gene. BS can mimic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ocular tuberculosis. We report a family comprising a mother and her two children, all presenting with uveitis and arthritis. A NOD2 mutation was confirmed in all the three patients - the first such molecularly proven case report of familial BS from India.

Optical Coherence Tomography and Management of a Retinal Granuloma in Presumed Ocular Sarcoidosis

Purpose: To highlight the utility of EDI-OCT and periocular steroid administration for the treatment of a retinal granuloma due to presumed ocular sarcoidosis. Methods: Retrospective case-study of a single patient. Results: A 45-year-old African-American male with blurred vision in the right eye was found to have a macula-involving retinal granuloma. Laboratory, imaging, and clinical findings were consistent with a diagnosis of presumed ocular sarcoidosis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photographs were used to document granuloma evolution. Oral prednisone 60mg was initiated and tapered to 10mg within 2 months. Due to systemic side-effects and inadequate treatment response with prednisone, 5 sub-Tenon's triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) injections were then administered over 7 months, and oral prednisone was discontinued at 6 months. Conclusion: This case demonstrated marked granuloma regression occurring with improvement in visual acuity, highlighting the utility of OCT and PSTA in managing retinal sarcoid granulomas.

Management of chronic ocular sarcoidosis: challenges and solutions

Background

Sarcoidosis constitutes one of the leading causes of ocular inflammation. Chronic ocular sarcoidosis can affect any segment of the eye and its adnexa, producing a wide range of clinical manifestations and severity. If left untreated, permanent visual impairment or even blindness may ensue. Treatment approaches vary from topical therapy to systemic agents that induce immunosuppression to different levels according to disease severity.

Objective

To review the published literature on the management options for chronic ocular sarcoidosis and provide a comprehensive list of available treatment strategies, including the newer biologics.

Summary

Ocular disease remains a challenging aspect of sarcoidosis and may even be the presenting sign of the disease. Prompt and effective therapy may reverse visual damage and prevent permanent loss of vision. Because of the complexity of the disease, a multidisciplinary approach is often required, with a view to addressing both the ocular and other systemic manifestations of sarcoidosis. Recent data suggest that achieving overall optimal systemic control is of paramount importance in controlling eye inflammation as well. Cytotoxic immunosuppressive agents for refractory chronic ocular disease, as well as biologic anti-TNFα therapies, have advanced the management of chronic disease and should be considered corticosteroid-sparing strategies before the onset of significant steroid-induced morbidity.

[Ocular sarcoidosis as a clinical manifestation of multiorgan involvement]

Eye lesion in sarcoidosis is often the first and only sign of a disorder, which suggests a possible systemic disease. Currently sarcoidosis is considered a multisystemic granulomatous disease that requires multidisciplinary approach.

PURPOSE

To study the prevalence and clinical aspects of sarcoidosis eyes based on the representative sample of patients diagnosed with extraocular nonspecific granulomatous disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 417 patients with multi-organ sarcoidosis. Females prevailed in the study population (259 patients - 62.11%); average patient age was 43.5±3.5 years.

RESULTS

Patients with systemic signs of sarcoidosis had an eye lesion in 7.7% of cases. Females (71.87%) at the age of 48.5±2.5 were diagnosed with sarcoidosis more often. Among the clinical forms of sarcoidosic eye lesion, anterior uveitis prevailed (59.37%), affection of the posterior uveal tract was observed less often (31.25%); the disease had chronically recurrent course in 53.12% of patients. Among rare disease forms, orbital granuloma was found in two patients, and one patient had sarcoidosis of the skin of the medial angle of the eye.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the clinical material revealed the occurrence rate of eye lesion in patients with systemic manifestations of sarcoidosis, and gave insight on the polymorphism of clinical signs of organ lesion in multiorgan and isolated granulomatous inflammation.

Ocular sarcoidosis: new diagnostic modalities and treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ocular involvement in sarcoidosis is present in up to 80% of patients and is frequently manifested before diagnosis of the underlying systemic disease. Considering the therapeutic consequences, early diagnosis of the underlying disease is advantageous in patients presenting with ocular inflammation. There are several ocular findings suggestive of underlying sarcoidosis, such as granulomatous keratic precipitates, iris nodules, cells in the vitreous humor known as snowballs and snowbanks, and retinal periphlebitis. High suspicion is crucial for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. This review on ocular sarcoidosis will mainly focus on new diagnostic and treatment modalities.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies found possible new diagnostic indicators for the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis which include not only serum profiles but also vitreous sample analysis. Ophthalmologic imaging techniques have improved to investigate the ocular structure in detail. Results from recent uveitis clinical trials have included sarcoidosis as an underlying cause and have reported positive results.

SUMMARY

The diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis can be challenging in some cases. High suspicion is important to diagnose ocular sarcoidosis with various laboratory and ophthalmic tools. There are many possible options for the treatment of ocular sarcoidosis including various biologic agents.

Ocular Sarcoidosis Limited to Retinal Vascular Ischemia and Neovascularization

A 59-year-old Caucasian male experienced progressive vision loss secondary to retinal vascular ischemia and neovascularization. At no time did he present with uveitis or vasculitis, and his serology tests were all negative. He was soon after diagnosed with sarcoidosis by hilar lymph node lung biopsy. Our patient demonstrates an atypical presentation of ocular sarcoidosis, manifesting solely as neovascularization and retinal vascular ischemia. Ophthalmologists should consider proliferative sarcoid retinopathy in patients with neovascularization.

Optic nerve head granuloma as a primary manifestation of ocular sarcoidosis - A tertiary uveitis clinic experience

Purpose:

To report a case series of ocular sarcoidosis manifesting as optic nerve head granuloma.

Design:

Observational case series.

Results:

Unilateral presentation in three females and a male. None of them had symptoms suggestive of systemic involvement. Fundus examination in all the patients showed hyperemic optic discs with peripapillary subretinal granuloma. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme was elevated in all patients. Chest radiograph was within normal limits in all patients. High resolution computed tomography of the chest showed features of sarcoidosis in two patients. All patients were treated with oral steroids. Immunosupressants were given in three patients, intravenous steroid, followed by oral steroids given in three patients. Improvement in visual acuity was noted in all four patients.

Conclusion:

Primary optic nerve involvement in sarcoidosis is rare. Isolated optic nerve sarcoidosis may exist without any systemic manifestations. Corticosteroids with immunosuppressants form the mainstay of therapy.

Inflammatory optic disc edema due to Sarcoidosis mimicking malignant hypertension

A common ocular manifestation of sarcoidosis is anterior uveitis. Posterior uveitis is uncommon and optic disc edema is rare. We report one such case in which the initial presentation was mimicking malignant hypertension as the patient had a recent record of high blood pressure. However, the painful progressive vision loss due to optic disc edema, along with anterior uveitis, and histological proof of non-caseating granulomas on transbronchial lung biopsy clinched the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis. There was complete resolution of signs and symptoms with institution of steroids. There was also probable cardiac involvement. This case highlights the fact that all disc edemas in a diabetic and hypertensive patients is not just due to malignant hypertension, even if there is a recent history of elevated blood pressure.

Diagnostic management of patients with suspected ocular sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Ophthalmologists often refer patients with suspected ocular sarcoidosis to pulmonologists for diagnostic examination of sarcoidosis. However, no recommendation has been proposed for managing such patients. This study aims to prospectively evaluate the diagnostic values of examinations and propose the management of patients with suspected ocular sarcoidosis.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with suspected ocular sarcoidosis were prospectively investigated according to type of ocular lesions, measurement of serum ACE, and findings of chest radiography, chest CT, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). Diagnostic values were calculated on the basis of pathological results.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were included (female, 71.4%; mean age, 56.2±14.8 years), of whom 64.3% was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Patient characteristics and ocular lesions did not differ significantly, regardless of the presence of sarcoidosis. Chest CT had low specificity and very high sensitivity for detecting sarcoidosis; in contrast, chest radiography and direct findings of bronchofiberscopy had high specificity and low sensitivity. Serum ACE and BAL did not have high diagnostic value. A flow chart was proposed to diagnose sarcoidosis, and this chart reduced the requirement of TBLB to 50% in our population. During the median follow-up of 51 months, 7 patients in the sarcoidosis group (25.9%) developed new lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of our flow chart appears to detect avoidable TBLB. Development of a more comprehensive flow chart including survey of ocular findings is warranted.