Sarcoidosis Flashcards
What is sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous inflammatory condition. Granulomas are nodules of inflammation full of macrophages. The cause of these granulomas developing is unknown.
Epidemiology of sarcoidosis
There are two spikes in incidence, in young adulthood and again around age 60. Women are affected more often and it occurs more frequently in black people compared with other ethnic groups.
Organs affected in sarcoidosis
- Systemic Symptoms
- Lungs (affecting over 90%)
- Liver (affecting around 20%)
- Eyes (affecting around 20%)
- Skin (affecting around 15%)
- Heart (affecting around 5%)
- Kidneys (affecting around 5%)
- Central nervous system (affecting around 5%)
- Peripheral Nervous System (affecting around 5%)
- Bones (affecting around 2%)
Lung features of sarcoidosis
- Mediastinal lymphadenopathy
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary nodules
Systemic symptoms of sarcoidosis
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Liver features of sarcoidosis
Eye features of sarcoidosis
- Eyes (affecting around 20%)
- Uveitis
- Conjunctivitis
- Optic neuritis
Skin features of sarcoidosis
- Erythema nodosum (tender, red nodules on the shins caused by inflammation of the subcutaneous fat)
- Lupus pernio (raised, purple skin lesions commonly on cheeks and nose)
- Granulomas develop in scar tissue
Heart features of sarcoidosis
- Bundle branch block
- Heart block
- Myocardial muscle involvement
Renal features of sarcoidosis
- Kidney stones (due to hypercalcaemia)
- Nephrocalcinosis
- Interstitial nephritis
Central nervous system involvement in sarcoidosis
- Nodules
- Pituitary involvement (diabetes insipidus)
- Encephalopathy
Peripheral nervous system features of sarcoidosis
- Facial nerve palsy
- Mononeuritis multiplex
Bone features of sarcoidosis
- Arthralgia
- Arthritis
- Myopathy
Lofgren’s syndrome
Differential diagnosis for sarcoidosis
- Tuberculosis
- Lymphoma
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- HIV
- Toxoplasmosis
- Histoplasmosis
