Conjunctival biopsy in the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that can affect almost every organ in the body, particularly the lungs, skin, eyes, and thoracic lymph nodes. A definitive diagnosis of sarcoidosis requires that a biopsy be performed. A specimen can be obtained from any affected ocular structure, including conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, eyelid skin, and orbit. Among them, conjunctival biopsy has been suggested as a sensible and safe procedure for confirming suspected sarcoidosis. We describe three patients in whom ocular symptoms were the sole initial manifestations of sarcoidosis and who were diagnosed based on the results of a conjunctival biopsy. We also discuss the efficacy of and indications for conjunctival biopsy.
Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario de Valladolid, Spain. enriquedios@hotmail.com
E
E
Dios
M A
MA
Saornil
J M
JM
Herreras
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine