[Branch retinal vein occlusion and sarcoidosis in a child: a case report]

We report a case of branch retinal vein occlusion associated with sarcoidosis in a child. A 13-year-old boy with a history of chronic fatigue was referred for ophthalmologic examination. Fundus examination in the right eye showed periphlebitis of the inferotemporal branch retinal vein, with nerve fiber layer hemorrhages without iridocyclitis. A fluorescein angiogram confirmed the occlusion of the inferotemporal branch retinal vein. His left eye was normal. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis, suggested by the presence of bilateral hilar adenopathy, increased angiotensin-converting enzyme levels, and lymphocytosis in the broncho-alveolar lavage, was confirmed by liver biopsy demonstrating epithelioid granulomas. Branch retinal vein occlusion was successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids. Branch retinal vein occlusion may occur as a rare vascular complication of sarcoidosis even without iridocyclitis.