Ocular presentation of childhood sarcoidosis

Purpose: Childhood sarcoidosis is an uncommon disease with potential severe manifestations. We discuss the presentation and the subsequent diagnosis of sarcoidosis in 2 children presenting without evidence of systemic disease Methods: We review the presentation and subsequent method of diagnosis of 2 children age 14 years and 11 years with sarcoidosis. Results: Both children presented with uncommon childhood ocular disease, one with a branch retinal vein occlusion and the other with bilateral panuveitis and reduced vision. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis in the first child was suspected due to the presence of severe retinal vasculitis and in the second because of venous sheathing and a thickened iris. Conclusions: Sarcoidosis should be suspected in children presenting with severe intraocular inflammation or haemorrhagic retinopathy. Special studies including Gallium scans and a Kveim test may be needed to confirm the diagnosis of sarcoidos.