A case of proliferative sarcoid retinopathy with sarcoid nodules in tissue obtained during vitrectomy

BACKGROUND: In previous studies, intraocular proliferative tissues obtained from proliferative sarcoid retinopathy cases during vitrectomy have been examined histopathologically. However, there is no report of identification of sarcoid nodules in examined tissues. We performed vitrectomy for a case of proliferative sarcoid retinopathy with extensive proliferative changes. Histopathologically, sarcoid nodules were identified in the fibrovascular membranes. CASE: A 25-year-old man was treated for sarcoid uveitis in the right eye by his local ophthalmologist. Lens aspiration was performed for complicated cataract. He was referred to our hospital with vitreous opacity and traction retinal detachment which occurred after the surgery. FINDINGS: The vitreous opacity was so severe that details of the fundus were not visible. Traction retinal detachment was suspected from findings of B-mode echography. Vitrectomy was performed, and total retinal detachment due to contraction of the fibrovascular membrane around the optic disc and posterior pole was observed. Sarcoid nodules were identified histopathologically in fibrovascular membranes obtained during vitrectomy. CONCLUSION: In proliferative sarcoid retinopathy cases, sarcoid lesions may be one of the causes of fibrovascular membrane formation.