According to a story from Healio, the rare disease sarcoidosis can affect a number of areas and systems in the body, such as the eyes, skin, lymph nodes, and lungs. The most common appearance of the condition in the eyes manifests as posterior segment vasculitis or uveitis. However, this story focuses on a case study in which the disease presented as an isolated orbital granuloma.

The case involved a woman of 50 years who presented with swelling in the left eye lasting six months. She reported no pain, and there were no other systemic abnormalities. An examination of the left eye revealed a firm mass that did not compress or reduce. An orbital ultrasound revealed the mass in the superomedial anterior orbit. The mass was then removed under general anesthesia; it was discovered to be granuloma via H&E stain.

Sarcoidosis is a significant cause of inflammatory eye disease. A prompt diagnosis is critical, and eye involvement is not uncommon in the disease. Ophthalmologists should be trained in the recognition of eye-related manifestations of sarcoidosis, as these can be the first indicator of systemic illness. This case study represented a rare case in which the manifestation was isolated.

About Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a rare disease which is characterized by the appearance of unusual aggregates of inflammatory cells. These aggregates are called granulomas. The disease can affect almost any part of the body, but it most commonly appears in the lungs, lymph nodes, and skin. Unfortunately, the precise cause of sarcoidosis remains a mystery. The prevailing theory is that it is the result of alterations to the immune response following exposure to a certain trigger, such as an infectious pathogen. Certain genetic mutations, affecting BTLN2 and possibly HLA-DR, are considered risk factors. Sarcoidosis is also associated with certain autoimmune diseases. Symptoms vary depending on the organs affected but may include weight loss, fatigue, bone pain, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, skin ulcers and lumps, and skin discoloration. Symptoms are mild in most cases and many patients can control their disease with ibuprofen. Other treatments for more serious disease include steroids, glucocorticoids, antimetabolites, and immunosuppressants. To learn more about sarcoidosis, click here.