[Conjunctival biopsy: a useful procedure for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis].
OBJECTIVE
To highlight the advantages of conjunctival biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.


METHODS
A 78-year-old woman presented with unilateral vitreitis. The examination of the conjunctive of right and left eyes revealed multiple, translucent, pale yellow nodules the size of millet grains located in the lower fornix. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was suspected by an increased level of angiotensin-converting enzyme and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathies. A biopsy from conjunctival nodules showed noncaseating epithelioid and gigantocellular granulomas, confirming the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Although underused, conjunctival biopsy seems to be both a safe and effective tool in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
Gambrelle
J
J
Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon. jj.gambrelle@club-internet.fr
Jacob
M
M
Le Breton
F
F
Guyomard
J L
JL
Dumas
C
C
Fleury
J
J
Kodjikian
L
L
Grange
J D
JD
D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology*; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000473:pathology*