Sarcoidosis of the orbit as the first manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis (clinical case)

A clinical case of sarcoidosis of the orbit as the first manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis is presented. A patient (born 1961) was referred with diplopia, gradual visual acuity of both eyes decrease during the last 8 years. The objective status at the ophthalmologist examination in 2009: temporal deviation of both eyes (10° right, 15° left), I degree left-side ptosis. Refraction -2,5 dioptre. Eye convergence and abduction impairment. Oculus Uterque - cornea is transparent, conjunctive appears normal, the anterior chamber is of medium depth, aqueous humor is transparent, iris is structured, the pupil is round, light reaction is normal, nuclear sclerosis. «String of pearls» opacity of vitreous body. The fundus of the eye: optic disc is pale pink with temporal discoloration, temporal border is not sharp, arteries are contracted, twisted, veins are of different caliber, macular reflex is fuzzy. Consolidation locus 0.9 mm with an acoustic above the optic nerve projection and posterior acoustic enhancement were found on the B-scan ocular ultrasonography. No signs of a mass were observed. Retroocular tissues are of normal density, with hyperintense 0.5-0.9 mm focuses in the internal segment (ultrasonographic signs of fibrosis). A diagnosis of orbital granulomas was proposed, the preliminary diagnosis: «Eye sarcoidosis, orbit sarcoidosis, sarcoid angiopathy». In June 2009 patient developed a nodular erythema on lower limbs, reported the joint pain, fever. Lung dissemination was determined on the chest X-ray, the patient was referred to phtysiologist and pulmonologist. The Mantoux test of 2 TU was negative, the diagnosis of tuberculosis was ruled out. The adequate therapy was administered. Thus, the eye involvement can be the first and only clinical feature of sarcoidosis and make the physician think about the systemic disorder debut.

sarcoidosis, granulemas, diplopia, clinical case