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Semin Neurol 2000; Volume 20(Number 1): 0123-0138
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-6838
Copyright © 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Neuro-ophthalmic Complications of Sarcoidosis

T. Constantino, K. Digre, P. Zimmerman
  • Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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ABSTRACT

-Sarcoidosis is a systemic disorder that is caused by granulomatous changes of uncertain etiology and commonly has multiorgan involvement. Ocular involvement may occur in up to 32% of persons afflicted by sarcoid. The neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of sarcoid, in particular, are varied and may affect any portion of the visual system, including neural structures. Diagnosis is often difficult due to the fact that the clinical presentation can mimic other disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis, and therefore a systematic approach to testing must be used once the diagnosis has been considered. The importance of diagnosing neuro-ophthalmic sarcoid lies in the fact that it is a treatable disease. The mainstay of treatment is corticosteroids although other immunosuppressive agents may be used. The long-term prognosis of neuro-ophthalmic sarcoid has not been studied in large patient populations, but the data that is available suggests that remission may occur in up to 47%.

KEYWORD

Neuro-ophthalmology - sarcoidosis - optic neuropathy

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