[Role of PET-scan in the positive diagnosis of sarcoidosis in the work-up of uveitis].

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous inflammatory disease, which may present as uveitis. Work-up includes the search for pulmonary and extra-pulmonary sites, with the assistance of PET-scanning.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present six patients enrolled retrospectively from March 2012 to November 2013 with uveitis, for whom a systemic work-up was performed, along with specific tests for sarcoidosis. 18-FDG PET-scan was performed when histology was inconclusive for epithelioid granulomata and giant cells, or when CT and/or chest X-ray were normal, in cases of uveitis clinically suggestive of sarcoidosis.

RESULTS: Hypermetabolic foci were found in all patients, in inflammatory areas with foci mainly located in the mediastinal (65%), hilar (33%), cervical, and supraclavicular regions. There was no correlation between ACE levels and positivity of the PET-scan, since only two patients exhibited ACE > 70 IU/L.

DISCUSSION: PET-scan is a promising technique in the field of sarcoid uveitis; however, histologic proof remains the gold standard.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the value of PET-scan in the assessment of indeterminate uveitis, by screening for sarcoidosis, and permits an assessment of the extent of the disease.