[OCULAR SARCOIDOSIS]

Abstract

A 68-year-old healthy female, with no past systemic or ocular history, presented with decreased vision in both eyes. On initial examination, there were extensive vitreal opacities in both eyes. On the following visit, bilateral panuveitis was newly observed, without otherwise systemic clinical manifestations. The patient responded well to treatment with systemic and topical steroids. Initial workup excluded tuberculosis and syphilis. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was within normal range. In order to make a definitive diagnosis and to exclude lymphoma, we decided to perform a vitreous biopsy after 2-weeks of steroids withdrawal. After cessation of steroids, new lesions appeared beneath the right eye and over the nasal bridge. Moreover, iris nodules over the stroma, pupil's margin and anterior chamber angle were noticed in both eyes. Biopsy from a skin lesion demonstrated non-caseating granulomas, supporting diagnosis of sarcoidosis. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated compatible radiologic findings of bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystem, autoimmune, granulomatous disease. Ocular involvement is common among patients with sarcoidosis, with the most common ocular manifestation being uveitis. We report a case that presented with bilateral panuveitis due to sarcoidosis with no systemic manifestations or elevated serum biomarkers. Definitive diagnosis was verified in histopathological findings from a skin biopsy and radiological findings in chest CT.