Ocular sarcoidosis and tuberculous lymphadenopathy: coincidence or real association
2011

Ocular Sarcoidosis and Tuberculosis: Coincidence or Association?

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lin Jiun-Yo, Sheu Shwu-Jiuan

Primary Institution: Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital

Hypothesis

Is there a real association between ocular sarcoidosis and tuberculous lymphadenopathy?

Conclusion

Tuberculosis can occur coincidentally or in association with sarcoidosis, and continued follow-up is important for patients with ocular sarcoidosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient initially diagnosed with ocular sarcoidosis showed improvement after treatment.
  • Six years later, she developed tuberculous lymphadenopathy without recurrence of ocular inflammation.
  • Negative results for tuberculosis were found in multiple tests including culture and PCR.

Takeaway

Sometimes, people can have both eye problems from sarcoidosis and swollen lymph nodes from tuberculosis at the same time, so doctors need to keep checking on them.

Methodology

The case involved a 35-year-old female with ocular sarcoidosis diagnosed through clinical findings and imaging, followed by treatment and monitoring for tuberculosis.

Limitations

The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on clinical signs without histopathologic proof, and the patient refused further biopsy.

Participant Demographics

A 35-year-old female patient.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s12348-011-0021-2

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