RESUMO
This study aimed to investigate whether radiological investigation aid in diagnosis of asymptomatic uveitis patients and to reveal the incidence of ankylosing spondylitis and sarcoidosis in these patients. During the period between July 2003 and May 2004, fifty three patients aged between 8-64 years attending ophthalmology clinic in Royal Medical Services with uveitis without any systemic complaints were included in this study. Ophthalmologic examination included Snellen's visual acuity assessment, slit lamp anterior segment examination and fundus examination after mydriasis via indirect ophthalmoscope were done. All patients were referred to pediatric and internal medicine clinic according to their age whereby a full medical history was taken and a physical examination was done. All patients were referred to radiologist. Chest X-ray for lung parenchyma and hilar lymphadenopathy and lumbosacral spine were done. Further tests were done if needed to diagnosis ankylosing spondylitis and sarcoidosis if suspected. All patients with traumatic uveitis were excluded from the study. The results revealed that seven patients [13.2%] and three patients [5.7%] were diagnosed to have ankylosing spondylitis and sarcoidosis, respectively. The remaining forty three patients [81.1%] were labeled as undetermined uveitis entities. 18.9% of asymptomatic uveitis patients were found to have either ankylosing or sarcoidosis. This highlights the importance of radiological investigations including chest X-ray and lumbosacral spine in these patients