Scleritis associated with sarcoidosis.
OBJECTIVE
To review scleritis cases associated with sarcoidosis and to evaluate clinical features, medical treatment, and clinical course.


METHODS
Two cases of diffuse anterior scleritis and a nodular scleritis case associated with systemic sarcoidosis were evaluated. Scleritis was the first manifestation of sarcoidosis in two of the patients and the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was confirmed with a conjunctival biopsy. The third patient had the diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis when she developed scleritis.


RESULTS
Based on the clinical and histological appearance, two patients presented with bilateral diffuse anterior scleritis and the third patient with an anterior nodular scleritis. One patient already had the diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis at presentation, while ocular findings led to the diagnosis in the other two cases. Conjunctiva or skin biopsies revealed features compatible with the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Scleritis attacks recurred in two patients. All patients responded well to systemic corticosteroid (prednisone) therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Scleritis associated with sarcoidosis has rarely been described and it may be the presenting sign of systemic sarcoidosis.
Dursun
Dilek
D
Department of Ophthalmology, Baskent University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey.
Akova
Yonca A
YA
Bilezikçi
Banu
B
D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D015423:Scleritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011241:Prednisone