Immunohistochemical Examination of Lacrimal Gland Tissue from Patients with Ocular Sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a systemic, non-malignant disorder characterized by the accumulation of T lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes forming noncaseating granulomas in involved organs. Organ systems commonly involved include the lymph nodes, skin, joint, exocrine glands, liver, and central nervous system. Ophthalmic involvement occurs in 27–38% of patients with sarcoidosis, and 26% of patients who develop chronic systemic sarcoidosis will have ocular involvement at some time during the course of the disease. Although the most common ocular manifestation of sarcoidosis is bilateral, granulomatous anterior uveitis, clinical involvement of the lacrimal gland occurs in 7–26% of patients with sarcoidosis.^1–3 Despite this fact, the rate of positive lacrimal gland biopsy in suspected sarcoidosis is relatively low (5–25%).⁴