Specific Skin Lesions of Sarcoidosis in the Diagnosis of Ocular Sarcoidosis.

Abstract

Purpose: To analyse the clinical forms of specific skin lesions in OS patients, their potential relationship with ocular manifestations, and their diagnostic utility.

Methods: A retrospective analyses of specific skin lesions in patients with OS diagnosed in our hospital between 1980 and 2022.

Results: Among 85 patients diagnosed with OS, 28 (33%) also had specific skin lesions (19 women and 9 men, mean age 45.11 years, SD 14.474). Ocular lesions included anterior uveitis (9 cases), intermediate uveitis (3), posterior uveitis (1), panuveitis (6), granulomatous conjunctivitis (7), and granulomatous lacrimal infiltration (2). Skin lesions comprised plaques (14 cases), maculopapules (7), subcutaneous sarcoidosis (4), lupus pernio (1), and scar sarcoidosis (2). Plaques were the most frequent form of cutaneous lesions observed in patient with OS and were more frequently associated with anterior uveitis and panuveitis. Maculopapules were less common in our patients with OS and were mainly observed in patients with anterior uveitis. Skin lesions were present at the onset of ocular symptoms in most patients with OS (23/28 cases, 82%) and their biopsy was useful to confirm the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Conclusion: When OS is suspected, clinicians should actively assess for specific cutaneous lesions, particularly plaques, since their biopsy may facilitate earlier diagnosis.