The eye as a common site for the early clinical manifestation of sarcoidosis

Abstract

Aims: Our purpose was to detect the rate of initial manifestation of sarcoidosis in the eye.

Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review in a sarcoidosis clinic in Germany. Ophthalmological data were obtained by using a standardized protocol, including the medical history, any comorbidity, onset and type of ocular manifestation that was evaluated by slit lamp, tonometry and fundoscopy.

Results: In the cohort of 1,800 patients (mean age 38.1 ± 11.8 years), diagnosis of sarcoidosis was established most commonly by bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (96.2%), histopathology (46.9%) or other organ manifestations. The initial clinical presentation of sarcoidosis (mean age 34.1 ± 10.8 years) had often been eye manifestation (21.2%). Within this group, anterior uveitis was most common (76.4%), followed by intermediate (17.3%) and posterior uveitis (4.7%).

Conclusions: The eye is commonly the first site for manifestation of sarcoidosis. Ophthalmologists have a critical role in establishing the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.