Pseudopemphigoid: Sarcoidosis presenting as cicatricial conjunctivitis with symblepharon

Abstract

Conjunctival involvement in sarcoidosis is commonly characterized by epibulbar nodules or follicular conjunctivitis. The authors describe an apparently healthy woman who developed extensive monocular cicatricial conjunctivitis with symblepharon. The array of conditions presenting with cicatricial conjunctivitis was considered, with mucous membrane pemphigoid leading the diagnostic possibilities. Conjunctival biopsy disclosed the non-infectious, non-caseating granulomas of sarcoidosis and a systemic evaluation disclosed pulmonary nodules and hilar lymphadenopathy. As the patient had no respiratory symptoms and an old history of hepatic steatosis, oral hydroxychloroquine and topical cyclosporin were chosen for therapy rather than systemic corticosteroids.