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Prolonged Uhthoff phenomenon in sarcoidosis
1Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 5, 1997
Summary
A patient experienced prolonged visual loss triggered by heat, a symptom atypical for sarcoidosis. This case highlights a unique presentation of optic nerve sarcoidosis mimicking Uhthoff phenomenon.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease that can affect the optic nerve.
- Uhthoff phenomenon, characterized by transient visual loss with heat exposure, is typically associated with demyelinating optic neuritis.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a 24-hour episode of visual loss following heat exposure.
- This transient visual loss was highly responsive to intravenous corticosteroids.
Findings:
- Diagnostic workup confirmed sarcoidosis, including elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme, hilar adenopathy on chest x-ray, and noncaseating granulomas on lung biopsy.
- The patient's visual loss pattern was prolonged compared to the typical Uhthoff phenomenon.
Implications:
- This case suggests that sarcoidosis of the optic nerve can manifest with an atypical form of Uhthoff phenomenon.
- Ophthalmologists and neurologists should consider optic nerve sarcoidosis in patients presenting with heat-induced transient visual loss unresponsive to typical treatments.