Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Presumed Sarcoid Retinal and Optic Nerve Nodules

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2016 Jun;24(3):293-6. doi: 10.3109/09273948.2014.971972. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

Abstract

Purpose: To characterize nodular lesions of the retina and optic nerve with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with sarcoidosis.

Methods: This is a retrospective series of 6 eyes from 5 patients with an established diagnosis of sarcoidosis, with clinically detected nodules of the optic nerve or retina. All lesions were imaged with fundus photography and SD-OCT on presentation, and followed with serial imaging after treatment with corticosteroids and/or immunomodulatory therapy.

Results: Spectral OCT through the lesions revealed nodular hyperreflective processes obscuring the retinal layers or optic cup, with local structural changes, including subretinal and intraretinal fluid. After treatment with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppression in 4 followed patients, all lesions regressed with improvement in associated structural changes, but did not entirely disappear.

Conclusions: Spectral OCT can be useful in identifying lesion morphology and location, and in tracking the response to treatment in eyes with posterior-segment nodules, presumably secondary to sarcoidosis.

Keywords: Granuloma; OCT; nodule; optic nerve; retina; sarcoidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / drug therapy
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Retinal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids