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Sarcoidosis and its ocular manifestations
1Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes Center, Section of Pulmonary Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612.
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Sarcoidosis, a multisystem inflammatory disease, frequently affects the lungs and eyes. Ocular involvement, particularly posterior segment inflammation, indicates a potentially severe form of sarcoidosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease with unknown etiology.
- It disproportionately affects African Americans in the United States.
- Sarcoidosis is a leading cause of pulmonary dysfunction and ocular morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of sarcoidosis.
- To discuss diagnostic studies and treatment options for sarcoidosis.
- To highlight the significance of ocular involvement in sarcoidosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of sarcoidosis epidemiology and pathogenesis.
- Analysis of clinical features of ocular and non-ocular sarcoidosis.
- Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for sarcoidosis.
Main Results:
- Non-caseating granulomas are the characteristic histological finding.
- Ocular sarcoidosis affects approximately 25% of patients, with posterior segment inflammation in 28% of these cases.
- Ocular involvement is associated with significant visual morbidity and may indicate a more severe disease course.
Conclusions:
- Granulomatous uveitis warrants suspicion for sarcoidosis.
- Laboratory tests are supportive but not definitive for diagnosis or prognosis.
- Ocular sarcoidosis often suggests a progressive disease requiring treatment, potentially with oral prednisone.