Sarcoidosis

Question 1

What sarcoidosis.

Answer 1

Chronic multisystem disorder. Accumulation of non-caseating granulomas and T lymphocytes.

Question 2

What is the cause of sarcoidosis.

Answer 2

Unknown cause.

Question 3

Who is affected by sarcoidosis. (2)

Answer 3

75% are aged 20-40 years.

However, it can affect all sexes, ages, races and places of origin.

Question 4

What are the clinical signs of sarcoidosis. (9)

Answer 4

This depends on the organ involved. 
Pulmonary sarcoidosis can present subacutely or insidiously. 
Fever. 
Malaise. 
Weight loss. 
Dyspnoea. 
Cough. 
Combination of erythema nodosum and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy is pathogenic.

Question 5

What is a pathogenic sign in sarcoidosis. (2)

Answer 5

A combination of erythema nodosum and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy.

Question 6

What percentage of patients with sarcoidosis show abnormalities on CXR.

Answer 6

90%.

Question 7

What is a grade 0 CXR abnormality in sarcoidosis.

Answer 7

No abnormality.

Question 8

What is a grade 1 CXR abnormality in sarcoidosis.

Answer 8

Lymphadenopathy alone.

Question 9

What is a grade 2 CXR abnormality in sarcoidosis. (2)

Answer 9

Lymphadenopathy and infiltrates.

Question 10

What is a grade 3 CXR abnormality in sarcoidosis.

Answer 10

Infiltrates alone.

Question 11

What is a grade 4 CXR abnormality in sarcoidosis.

Answer 11

Fibrosis.

Question 12

What investigations should be carried out in sarcoidosis. (4)

Answer 12

CXR.
Blood: raised calcium, raised serum ACE levels (poorly specific, but can be used to monitor disease activity).
Echocardiogram.