Sarcoidosis Flashcards
What is sarcoidosis?
An uncommon multisystem granulomatous disease.
List the most common systems affected in sarcoidosis.
It mainly affects the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin.
How do most people with sarcoidosis present?
Fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
What is Blau syndrome?
Blau syndrome is a familial form of sarcoidosis.
What is the triad of clinical manifestations typically seen in Blau syndrome?
Uveitis, rash, and “boggy” arthritis.
What is the relationship between sarcoidosis and the lungs?
Lung involvement is common and presents with a persistent dry cough. CXR may reveal hilar or parenchymal infiltrates. PFTs demonstrate restrictive changes.
Describe the skin findings in sarcoidosis.
The most common skin findings are nodules on the face, neck, back, and extremities (erythema nodosum). The lesions are red-brown, maculopapular, and <1cm in diameter.
How does involvement of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes typically present in patients with sarcoidosis?
Granulomatous infiltration of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes is common and presents as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Most are asymptomatic.
How does eye involvement typically manifest in patients with sarcoidosis?
Eye involvement includes uveitis and conjunctival granulomas.
Which patients with sarcoidosis should undergo ophthalmological evaluation?
All patients with sarcoidosis require complete ophthalmological evaluation.
How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?
Biopsy of affected tissue demonstrates the presence of noncaseating granulomatous lesions.
What serial testing should be performed in patients with sarcoidosis?
CXR, PFTs, LFTs, renal function tests, and ophthalmologic slit lamp exams.
What is the recommended treatment for sarcoidosis?
Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment. Duration is 8-12 weeks, followed by a 6-12 month wean. Immunosuppressive drugs (like methotrexate) and monoclonal antibodies to TNF are also effective.
