Sarcoidosis

Question 1

what is it

Answer 1

granulomatous disease of unknown cause

Question 2

what is a granuloma

Answer 2

mass or nodule composed of chronically inflamed tissue formed by response of mononuclear phagocyte system to insoluble or slowly soluble antigen

Question 3

what type of hypersensitivity

Answer 3

type 4

Question 4

what systems commonly involved

Answer 4

lungs, lymph nodes, joints, liver, skin, eyes

Question 5

what are symptoms of acute sarcoidosis

Answer 5

sweats 
erythema nodosum (skin lesion)

Question 6

what are symptoms of chronic sarcoidosis

Answer 6

lung infiltrates/alveolitis (scarring)
skin infiltrates 
peripheral lymphadenopathy
hypercalcaemia 
SOB 
persistent dry cough 
rashes on body

Question 7

how is it diagnosed

Answer 7

CXR - bilateral hilum lymphadenopathy
CT - check for peripheral nodular infiltrates
Bloods - raised calcium and inflammatory markers
Restrictive PFT

Question 8

what is treatment of acute sarcoidosis

Answer 8

usually do not need specific treatment
paracetamol
anti-inflammatory

Question 9

what is treatment of chronic sarcoidosis

Answer 9

oral steroid (prednisolone) 
immunosuppression (azathioprine, methotrexate)