Pegylated Interferon-Induced Sarcoidosis Presenting With Anterior Uveitis in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C - Case Report

Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disorder of unknown etiology. It is known to be triggered by an autoimmune process, and is currently recognized as a rare adverse event to interferon therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Clinical presentation of interferon-triggered sarcoidosis is varied, but ocular manifestation as a first symptom was only once, previously reported. We report the case of a 32 year old woman, infected with hepatitis C, for whom antiviral therapy was initiated. Prior to treatment, the patient had outstanding medical history. Three months from the initiation, patient accused pain and redness of the left eye and mild visual loss. The diagnosis of Interferon induced sarcoidosis was established. We are presenting this case because it illustrates the possibility of sudden and severe complications and we want to emphasize the importance of performing ophthalmological examination in patients treated with pegylated interferon α.