K 413
Sarcoid optic neuropathy
U. Weitgasser, M. Weger, M. Trinker, J. Pavek, W. Domej, S. Makk
Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous multisystemic disease, involving lung, skin, the eye and the central nervous system. The sarcoid optic neuropathy is a rare manifestation. It represents a serious danger to visual acuity and requires long-term corticosteroid therapy.
Methods: We report about a 37 year old man complaining slight visual reduction and blurred vision. Clinical ophthalmological examination was normal. Octopus visual field and visual evoked potentials showed signs of retrobulbar optic neuropathy. Chest X-ray and CT scan showed typical morphological signs of sarcoidosis. Diagnosis was confirmed by bronchoscopy with broncho-alveolar lavage and transbroncheal biopsy.
Results: Corticosteroid therapy lead to regression.
Discussion: Optic neuropathy is a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis. Definit diagnosis is established by bronchoscopy with broncho-alveolar lavage or histologically.
Corticosteroid therapy is of great value, even if treatment requires several months sometimes.
Univ.Augenklinik Graz, Pulmonologische Ambulanz der Med. Univ. Klinik, Graz