[Sarcoid optic neuropathy]

J Fr Ophtalmol. 1999 Dec;22(10):1072-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease mostly involving the chest. Sarcoid optic neuropathy is an uncommon but serious manifestation that requires long-term corticosteroid treatment. We report here the case of a 50-year-old black patient complaining of a recent blurred vision on his left eye. The ophthalmologic examination was normal. Goldmann visual field and visual evoked potentials confirmed the diagnosis of retrobulbar optic neuropathy. Sarcoidosis was presumed on a chest radiography and computed tomography and confirmed with a transbronchial biopsy. Symptoms disappeared with intravenous bolus of corticosteroids. Three months later, without treatment, a right inferior eyelid tumor was observed. Magnetic resonance imaging (RMI) showed two orbital masses and multiple meningeal lesions enhancing with contrast suggesting neurosarcoidosis which decreased with a long-term high-dose corticosteroid therapy (1 mg/kg/d). Optic neuropathy is a rare manifestation of neurosarcoidosis, mostly accompanied by optic-disc involvement with papillary lesions. Chest roentgenogram and computed tomography give a presumption of sarcoidosis. But biopsy is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis demonstrating the histologic lesion of a non caseating granulomatous. Corticosteroid therapy is dramatically efficient but sometimes several months treatment is required.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Black People
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual
  • Female
  • France
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Nerve / physiopathology
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / physiopathology
  • Sarcoidosis / complications
  • Sarcoidosis / physiopathology*
  • Visual Fields