The Role of Screening for Asymptomatic Ocular Inflammation in Sarcoidosis. (17th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Jennifer; Zaguia, Fatma; Minkus, Caroline; Koreishi, Anjum F.; Birnbaum, Andrea D.; Goldstein, Debra A.
• Is Part Of: Ocular immunology and inflammation. Volume 30:Number 7/8(2022)
• Page Start: 1936
• Page End: 1939
• Publication Date: 2022-11-17
• Subjects: Sarcoidosis -- uveitis -- inflammatory eye disease -- screening; Eye -- Diseases -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Eye -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1976216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0927-3948

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: To determine the utility of routine screening ophthalmic exam in patients with systemic sarcoidosis and no history of uveitis. Methods: Prospective, single-center, observational study conducted at Northwestern University from October 11, 2012 to October 1, 2020 of new patients with biopsy-proven systemic sarcoidosis and no history of uveitis, referred by medical subspecialists for screening ophthalmic exam. Results: Forty-nine patients, with mean age of 51 ± 8.7 years, 59% female, 47% African American, 43% Caucasian, were enrolled. The majority (55%) had no ocular symptoms. The most common location of ocular involvement was the adnexa, in the form of conjunctival nodules (62%) and aqueous tear deficiency (23%). Intraocular inflammation was detected in 6 patients (13%); only 2 had active disease requiring treatment (4%). No asymptomatic patient had ocular involvement necessitating treatment. Conclusion: Screening exams are indicated in sarcoidosis patients with ocular symptoms. No benefit of screening was demonstrated in asymptomatic patients.