Ultrasonic Predictors of Dry Eye Syndrome in Sarcoidosis

Abstract

Objective. To identify clinical and morphofunctional changes in the lacrimal gland in sarcoidosis.Material and methods. Ultrasonography was conducted in 53 patients (106 eyes) with a verified diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis (7 men and 46 women) whose age was 31 to 72 years.Results. Different types of lacrimal gland structural changes in sarcoidosis were detected. Comparing the acoustic and functional findings revealed a high correlation (r > 0.7) between these parameters as vascularization index, a reflex component of tear secretion, and the presence of tubular structures. Types of changes in the acoustic structure of the lacrimal glands were identified, which were designated as edematous and polymorphic changes, as well as atrophic changes with a necrotic component.Conclusion. The findings can be used to diagnose lacrimal gland changes in patients suffering from sarcoidosis.

Keywords

• ultrasound diagnosis
• lacrimal gland
• sarcoidosis
• volumetric acoustic virtual model of the lacrimal gland
• dry eye syndrome