Sarcoidosis

Question 1

what is sarcoidosis

Answer 1

a multisystem non-caseating granulomatous inflammatory condition
- granulomas are formed of macrophage

Question 2

who is sarcoidosis most commonly seen in

Answer 2

black African women ages 20-40

Question 3

features of sarcoidosis

Answer 3

SOB, dry cough
fatigue + arthralgia
erythema nodosum - tender nodules on shins
lupus pernio - hard purple lesions on face
uveitis - red, painful eye with blurred vision
lymphadenopathy

Question 4

CXR signs sarcoidosis

Answer 4

bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy

pulmonary nodules

Question 5

what is Lofgrens syndrome

Answer 5

specific presentation of sarcoidosis characterised by triad of:

• bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy
• erythema nodosum
• polyarthralgia

Question 6

what blood tests might be raised in sarcoidosis

Answer 6

serum ACE
hypercalcaemia
CRP
Interleukin 2 receptor

Question 7

gold standard for diagnosing sarcoidosis

Answer 7

bronchoscopy + US guided biopsy of medicinal nodes

- histology shows non-caveating granulomas with epitheliod cells

Question 8

tx sarcoidosis

Answer 8

1st line: oral steroids
biphosphonates to protect against osteoporosis

2nd line: methotrexate / azathioprine