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[Peripheral retinal neovascularization and sarcoidosis: two case reports]
J F Girmens1, F Fajnkuchen, I Badelon
1Service d'ophtalmologie, Hôpital Avicenne, 125 avenue de Stalingrad, 93009 Bobigny Cedex.
Journal Francais D'Ophtalmologie
|April 10, 2002
Summary
Peripheral neovascularization in sarcoidosis can mimic sickle cell disease. Differentiating these conditions is crucial, as sickle cell hemoglobinopathy may be an underlying cause even with confirmed sarcoidosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Genetics
Background:
- Peripheral retinal neovascularization is observed in about 10% of sarcoidosis cases.
- The exact pathogenesis of this neovascularization remains unclear, likely involving retinal ischemia or inflammation.
Observation:
- Two cases of histologically proven sarcoidosis with peripheral neovascularization are presented.
- The first case's neovascularization was attributed to sarcoidosis.
- The second case, however, revealed a co-existing sickle cell hemoglobinopathy (hemoglobin SC) via electrophoresis.
Findings:
- Peripheral neovascularization patterns in sarcoidosis and sickle cell disease can be strikingly similar.
- Histological confirmation of sarcoidosis does not exclude co-existing sickle cell disease.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider sickle cell disease in patients with sarcoidosis and peripheral neovascularization, regardless of sarcoidosis confirmation.
- Hemoglobin electrophoresis is essential for accurate diagnosis in such cases.
- This highlights the importance of differential diagnosis in complex ocular presentations.