Purpose: Elevation of serum-soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) level has been included in the diagnostic criteria for sarcoidosis revised in 2015. However, there have been some reports of sIL-2R levels also being elevated in other inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we examined the clinical significance of sIL-2R in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis by measuring serum sIL-2R levels in patients with sarcoidosis and in those with other types of uveitis.
Subjects and methods: Serum sIL-2R levels were measured in 24 patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis and 152 patients diagnosed with other types of uveitis (Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, Behcet disease, acute anterior uveitis, and other unclassifiable cases of uveitis) at the Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital.
Results: Serum sIL-2R levels were significantly higher in patients with sarcoidosis than in those with other types of uveitis.
Conclusions: Although serum sIL-2R level is significantly elevated in sarcoidosis than in other types of uveitis, some patients with other types of uveitis may show a significant increase. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to diagnose ocular sarcoidosis.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi (J Jpn Ophthalmol Soc) 123: 156-160, 2019.