Sarcoidosis

Question 1

What is sarcoidosis?

Answer 1

Multi-system granulomatous disorder of unknown cause

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of sarcoidosis?

Answer 2

Antigens (such as mycobacterium, fungi or occupational dust), genetic factors and dysregulated immunity leads to sarcoidosis.

Question 3

What is the classic triad of sarcoidosis

Answer 3

BHL (bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy), erythema nodosum (shin rash) and arthritis

Question 4

What are other features of sarcoidosis?

Answer 4

• Fatigue, weight loss, dry cough, dyspnoea, chest discomfort and sweats

Question 5

How is the diagnosis of sarcoidosis made?

Answer 5

Bronchoscopy can also do bronchoalveolar lavage or transbronchial lung biopsy or transbronchial needle aspirate.

Question 6

What are the effects of sarcoidosis on the lungs?

Answer 6

It can cause pulmonary fibrosis. Often restrictive but can be obstructive.

Question 7

What are the blood results in a patient with sarcoidosis?

Answer 7

• Mildly decreased Hb,
• Raised ESR,
• Raised calcium due to altered vitamin D metabolism.
• Raised gammaglobulins,
• Raised ACE

Question 8

What is the treatment for sarcoidosis?

Answer 8

Most cases don’t require treatment but if lung function starts to decline then can give steroids