Tattoo-associated uveitis with choroidal granuloma: a rare presentation of systemic sarcoidosis

Purpose: The authors report a rare case of systemic sarcoidosis manifesting as bilateral granulomatous panuveitis and multiple tattoo granulomas. Methods: Case report. Results: A 30-year-old man presented with headaches, ocular pain, photophobia, and blurred vision. He was found to have significant skin inflammation, predominantly involving areas of tattoos. Fundoscopic examination revealed bilateral granulomatous panuveitis with small focal choroidal lesions. Skin biopsy demonstrated granulomatous inflammation of the dermis with tattoo pigment evident in numerous histiocytes. He was diagnosed with systemic sarcoidosis. Conclusion: The authors report another rare case of tattoo-associated uveitis, in which inflammation is limited to tattooed skin and the uvea. This uncommon presentation may prove informative in elucidating the pathogenesis of systemic sarcoidosis.