Evaluation of revised diagnosis criteria for sarcoidosis

PURPOSE: Based on diagnostic criteria revised in 2006, we investigate whether a simple examination will provide a diagnosis for uveitis of sarcoidosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and six patients with uveitis suspected of having sarcoidosis who visited 4 hospitals from 1978 to 2008 were evaluated according to Their ocular and systemic findings. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients were diagnosed as having sarcoidosis. Most patients had more than 4 ocular criteria. Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL) was seen in 103 (97.2%) of the patients. When BHL was not detected with conventional chest X-rays, chest computerized tomography (CT) was useful in detecting BHL, especially in patients who were tuberculin negative. CONCLUSIONS: When sarcoidosis is suspected from ocular findings, chest X-rays, a tuberculin skin test and serum angiotensin converting enzyme should be performed first. Even if BHL is not detected, a chest CT is useful in cases that are tuberculin negative.