Sarcoidosis B&B

Question 1

what is the hallmark of sarcoidosis?

Answer 1

non-caseating granulomas: tightly packed central area of macrophages, epithelioid cells, multi-nucleated giant cells

surrounded by lymphocytes, monocytes, mast cells, fibroblasts

Question 2

How do granulomas form in sarcoidosis?

Answer 2

cell mediated process – accumulation of TH1 cells, which secrete IL-2 and IFNy

IFNy activate macrophages —> granuloma formation

Question 3

what is the classic finding of sarcoidosis in the lungs?

Answer 3

Hilar lymphadenopathy

—> cough, dyspnea, infiltrates, pulmonary fibrosis

Question 4

What is the classic skin lesion of sarcoidosis?

Answer 4

erythema nodosum: information of fat cells under the skin, tender red nodules, usually on both shins

Question 5

what is the classic eye involvement of sarcoidosis?

Answer 5

uveitis: information of iris/ciliary body (anterior) or choroid (posterior) —> dry eye, blurry vision

Question 6

blood levels of what two things are elevated by sarcoidosis?

Answer 6

1. hypercalcemia: elevated 1-alpha hydroxylase activity in alveolar macrophages increases vitamin D levels (calcitriol)
2. high ACE levels: nonspecific elevated and many lung diseases