Choroidal granulomas in systemic sarcoidosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical course, including response to therapy, of patients with macular and peripapillary choroidal granulomas secondary to systemic sarcoidosis.


METHODS
This is a retrospective case study and literature review. Nine patients with choroidal granulomas were identified. Eight patients had a tissue biopsy confirming sarcoidosis; one was diagnosed from clinical history and typical gallium scan. Ocular examinations included fundus examination, fluorescein angiography, and visual field examination. Eight patients had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans looking for intracranial granulomas. Treatment consisted of oral prednisone in eight patients (one with concomitant subconjunctival triamcinolone); one patient received no treatment because of good vision and granuloma in the nasal retina. Variables studied included visual acuity (VA), response of granulomas to treatment, time to recurrence, and associated anterior segment findings.


RESULTS
Eight of nine patients had a solitary lesion whereas one had multifocal involvement. The granulomas ranged in size from one half to four disk diameters. Eight patients had blurry vision; one was asymptomatic. All nine patients had hilar adenopathy and/or pulmonary parenchymal disease. No patient had nonocular neurologic symptoms and in eight patients who underwent MRI examination no intracranial granulomas were detected. Of the eyes that were treated (n = 8) all had decrease in the size of the choroidal mass at an average of 4 months of treatment. Two had complete resolution. Mean follow-up was 29.2 months. At the time of initial diagnosis only one patient had an active anterior uveitis. Five of nine patients had at least one recurrence. Mean time to recurrence was 7.6 months after discontinuing oral prednisone. The VA at presentation ranged from 20/30 to 20/300. Final VA was 20/30 or better in all patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Choroidal granulomas related to systemic sarcoidosis respond well to oral corticosteroids. They may recur but good vision can be maintained. They are not typically associated with concomitant iritis and also do not appear to be associated with intracranial granulomas.
Desai
U R
UR
Eye Care Services, Henry Ford Health Sciences Center, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
Tawansy
K A
KA
Joondeph
B C
BC
Schiffman
R M
RM
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015862:Choroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006099:Granuloma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014794:Visual Fields
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014221:Triamcinolone; D011239:Prednisolone