Sarcoidosis vs tuberculosis: Diagnostic mystery still unresolved

Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis are chronic, multisystemic, granulomatous disease of alike clinical, radiological and histopathological manifestations. Idiopathic nature of the disease and a strong clinical similarity with tuberculosis make the effectiveness of various clinical examinations for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis difficult in a tuberculosis endemic area. Presently confirmation of a diagnosis of sarcoidosis in most cases requires a biopsy which is often not confirmatory. A variety of novel medical approaches is under research to replace invasive diagnostic procedures for a simple non-invasive investigation for the identification of sarcoidosis. Here we discussed the studies focussing on the features that can be useful for distinguishing sarcoidosis from tuberculosis. Multiple studies have found molecular, cellular, immunological and clinical biomarkers efficient to lead the way of clinicians for the exact diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis: an update from a population-based cohort study from Olmsted County, Minnesota

Information about the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and comorbidities of sarcoidosis among Caucasians is relatively scarce. This review focuses primarily on the data from a recently published Caucasianpredominant population-based cohort from Olmsted County, Minnesota. Overall, the incidence rate was 10.0 per 100,000 population, which suggested that sarcoidosis is less common in Caucasians than in Blacks, but is more common in Caucasians than in Asians. Intrathoracic involvement was seen in the vast majority of patients, but less than half have respiratory symptoms. The most common extra-thoracic manifestations were skin rash followed by arthralgia, ophthalmologic involvement, hepatic involvement, splenomegaly, renal involvement, neurological involvement, extra-thoracic lymphadenopathy, exocrine gland involvement, upper respiratory tract involvement and cardiac involvement. Compared to sex and age-matched subjects, patients with sarcoidosis suffer from increased rates of cardiovascular disease, venous thromboembolism and hospitalized infection.

Repository corticotropin for Chronic Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Purpose

The dose of repository corticotropin (RCI) and need for a loading dose in sarcoidosis patients receiving chronic corticosteroids are unclear. We performed a single-blind prospective study, comparing two doses of RCI in sarcoidosis.

Methods

Chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis patients receiving prednisone therapy with deterioration by 5% in FVC in the previous year were studied. RCI was administered subcutaneously at a loading dose of 80 units RCI for 10 days. Patients were randomized at day 14 to receive either 40- or 80-unit RCI twice a week. The dose of prednisone was modified by the clinician who was blinded to the patient’s dosage of RCI.

Results

Sixteen patients completed the full 24 weeks of the study. At week 24, there was a decrease in the dose of prednisone, and improvements in DLCO, King’s Sarcoidosis Questionnaire health status and fatigue score. There was no significant change in FVC % predicted. For the PET scan, there was a significant fall in the standard uptake value (SUV) of the lung lesions. Only 3/8 patients remained on 80 units RCI for full 24 weeks. There was no significant difference in the response to therapy for those treated with 40- versus 80-unit RCI.

Conclusions

Repository corticotropin treatment was prednisone-sparing and associated with significant improvement in DLCO, PET scan, and patient-reported outcome measures. A dose of 40-unit RCI twice a week was as effective as 80-unit RCI and was better tolerated.

[Dynamics of clinical, X-ray and functional data during treatment of patients with sarcoidosis]

AIM

To analyze the literature data and the results of original studies on the respiratory function in patients with sarcoidosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 1199 patients with sarcoidosis (67.8% women and 32.2% of males, median age 43 years). The first X-ray stage was documented in 34.8% of patients , stage II in 57.0%, stage III in 6.1%, stage IV in 1.3%, stage 0 in 0.7%. One patient (0.1%) had pleural sarcoidosis. Loefgren syndrome was diagnosed in 20% of the patients. In 658 patients (54.9%) the diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy studies.

RESULTS

The patients with sarcoidosis exhibited significant correlation between radiographic and spirometric characteristics. In those with Loefgren syndrome, all breathing parameters were much better than in the remaining ones. Changes of spirometry parameters were more pronounced in smokers and in patients with concomitant lung diseases. However, the lung function remained impaired after adjustment for these factors, and 9,7% of the cases positively responded to the administration of a short-acting bronchodilator. Х-ray examination and spirometry are independent methods for the evaluation of the health status of patients with sarcoidosis and their results do not always correlate with each other after different treatment regimens. Changes in Х-ray image and lung vital capacity were consistent in patients treated with prednisone, methotrexate and pentoxifylline, but not in the cases treated with vitamin E and in the absence of treatment. Spirometry with simultaneous X-ray examination is recommended for all patients with intrathoracic sarcoidosis.

CONCLUSION

Forced vital capacity of lungs (FVC) is an independent criterion for evaluating the condition of patients with sarcoidosis and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Predictive value of C-reactive protein and clinically relevant baseline variables in sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

This study aims to examine the predictive and prognostic implications of C-reactive protein (CRP) and clinically relevant baseline variables in determining treatment indication and disease progression in a large clinical cohort of patients with stable sarcoidosis.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of 328 sarcoidosis patients attending a regional tertiary referral centre over a 26-year period was performed. Clinical, biochemical, radiological and physiological data were analysed according to a clinically relevant dichotomous cutpoint of CRP. Multiple models of logistic regression were used to determine independent predictors of outcome as defined by indication for treatment with corticosteroids, radiological deterioration and physiological progression.

RESULTS

328/409 (80.2%) sarcoidosis patients had baseline serum CRP measured and were suitable for inclusion. Baseline CRP was elevated in 154 (47%). 178 (54.3%) were prescribed corticosteroid treatment during the disease course. Physiological deterioration was demonstrated in 48 (14.6%) patients and radiological progression in 59 (17.9%) patients. High baseline CRP was strongly associated with Lofgren's syndrome (p=<0.001) and reduced FVC% predicted (p=0.012). High CRP was found to be a negative predictor of radiological progression (p=0.046). In a sub-analyses of patients without Lofgren's syndrome (n=223), patients with high baseline CRP were almost twice as likely to receive corticosteroid treatment, OR 1.89 (95% CI 1.04-3.55). Low baseline DLCO% independently predicted the need for corticosteroid treatment (p=<0.001) and physiological decline (p=0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated baseline CRP in sarcoidosis is associated with a good prognosis and is a negative predictive indicator of radiological progression. In patients without Lofgren's syndrome, high CRP and low DLCO% at presentation may identify a subset of patients more likely to develop physiological progression who may benefit from early systemic treatment.

The association between BNP, 6MWD test, DLCO% and pulmonary hypertension in sarcoidosis

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a feared complication in patients with sarcoidosis.It is an important negative prognostic factor which is reflected as a priority given to these subjects for orthotopic lung transplantation. We evaluated the relationship between BNP, 6MWD test, DLCO% values and the severity of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted between January 2010 and January 2015 on consecutive confirmed adult subjects diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Demographics, medical comorbidities, clinical features, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), 6MWD test, transthoracic echocardiography, laboratory investigations, radiographic findings, treatment and outcome data were collected from medical records. Subjects with suspicion for PH (i.e. those with PASP ≥ 25 mmHg) were included in the study. PH severity was classified using PASP into mild (PASP 25-49 mmHg), moderate (50-69 mmHg) and severe (≥70 mmHg). We evaluated the strength of correlation between BNP, 6MWD test, DLCO% and the severity of PH. The association between variables was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient and results were considered statistically significant if P value was <0.05.

RESULTS

Among the 108 cases diagnosed with sarcoidosis, we identified a total of 27 patients (25%) who had an elevated PASP suggestive of PH and met the study inclusion criteria. There was a significant correlation between BNP level (r=0.804, P=0.003), 6MWD test (r=-0.865, P=0.000), DLCO% (r=-0.513, P=0.015) and the PASP in sarcoidosis patients.

CONCLUSION

Although these simple tests should not be used as screening tools for suspecting sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension, they may be of value in following its progression in subjects already diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.

Patient confidence and quality of life in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and sarcoidosis impact significantly on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). There are few studies on the impact of patient confidence on HRQOL in these conditions.

OBJECTIVES

1. To investigate whether patient confidence is associated with HRQOL, anxiety, depression, dyspnoea or fatigue. 2. To assess if patient confidence is associated with inpatient admissions, access to community healthcare and, for IPF patients, mortality and disease severity.

METHODS

Study participants self-completed seven questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, EuroQol 5D (EQ5D), King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease questionnaire, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, MRC dyspnoea scale, Fatigue Assessment Scale and a non-validated questionnaire assessing patient confidence, symptom duration and access to community healthcare. Lung function and follow-up data were collected from hospital electronic databases. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated to assess for correlation between patient confidence, questionnaire variables and inpatient admissions. Chi-square tests were performed to assess for association between patient confidence, mortality and disease severity.

RESULTS

75 IPF patients and 69 sarcoidosis patients were recruited to the study. Patient confidence in IPF was significantly negatively correlated with depression and fatigue, and significantly positively correlated with EQ5D scores, but not healthcare outcomes. No associations were found between confidence and any of the variables assessed in sarcoidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower levels of confidence in IPF patients are associated with higher levels of depression and fatigue and worse HRQOL. Efforts should be made to improve patient confidence to assess the impact on HRQOL.

Annexin A11 is associated with pulmonary fibrosis in African American patients with sarcoidosis

Not available.

Diurnal characteristics of heart rate variability in patients with sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate autonomic nervous system function by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with sarcoidosis without known cardiac manifestations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 61 participants, including 31 patients with sarcoidosis without known cardiac manifestations and 30 healthy volunteers. All participants underwent echocardiographic examination, 12-channel electrocardiography (ECG), and 24-h Holter monitoring. HRV parameters were determined and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

There were no differences between groups with regard to age, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, or heart rate at the time of admission. In the time domain analyses, the 24-h, daytime, and night-time standard deviations of all normal-to-normal R‑R interval (SDNN) values were significantly lower in patients with sarcoidosis than those in the controls. The frequency domain analyses showed that 24-h and daytime low-frequency (LF) values, 24-h, daytime, and night-time high-frequency (HF) values were significantly lower in the patient group compared with the control group, whereas the night-time LF/HF ratio was significantly higher.

CONCLUSION

Although Holter ECG is not a diagnostic tool for cardiac sarcoidosis, the HRV parameters, especially the night-time LF/HF values, may demonstrate increased sympathetic activation in patients with sarcoidosis.

Clinical features of Sarcoidosis in Oman: A report from the Middle East region

BACKGROUND

Though clinical features of sarcoidosis follow a similar pattern, some heterogeneity is seen in different ethnic and racial groups.

OBJECTIVES

To describe for the first time the clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis patients in the Sultanate of Oman.

METHODS

The data on all cases of sarcoidosis followed up in the two tertiary hospitals in Oman were retrieved retrospectively.

RESULTS

Of the 92 patients, for representing the ethnic data only Omani patients (n=83) were included. The mean age was 52.90±12.35 years. Majority were females (72.3%, n=60). Cough (n=44, 53.0%), dyspnea (n=39, 47%), arthralgia (n=26, 31.3%) and fatigue (30.1%) were the major symptoms. Arthralgia was reported by 41.7% of the females and 4.3% of the males (p= 0.001). Uveitis was present in 16 (19.3%), erythema nodosum in 8 (9.6%) and hypercalcemia in 13 (15.7%). The radiological stage at presentation was stage 0, 18.7%; I, 28%; II, 17.3%; III, 24% and IV, 12%. Majority (61.4%) of the patients had tissue diagnosis; intra-thoracic site 70.6%. Pulmonary function showed abnormal diffusion in 75%. Sixty eight received treatment, 81.9% took prednisolone. Based on radiograph good outcome (Resolving) was noted in 20.9%, intermediate (Stable) in 73.1% and poor (Progressive) in 6%. Lung function wise, resolving, stable and progressive disease was seen in 31.4%, 40.0% and 28.6% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The clinical picture of the patients with sarcoidosis from Oman was similar to that reported from the rest of the world. Region wise, our patients were older and arthralgia and hypercalcemia were more common. The management of sarcoidosis needs a more organized approach in the country with clear guidelines on monitoring and treatment.

Pulmonary stenting for the treatment of sarcoid induced pulmonary vascular stenosis

BACKGROUND

The best treatment of patients with external pulmonary vascular compression due to advanced sarcoidosis is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To report a single-center experience of percutaneous treatment for pulmonary vascular stenosis caused by external compression due to advanced sarcoidosis.

METHODS

We report a case series of 5 patients with biopsy confirmed advanced sarcoidosis, seen at our academic institution with worsening dyspnea despite increase of immunosuppressive therapy. All patients were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team (cardiology, pulmonary and radiology) using a multi-modality approach, including chest-computed tomography angiography, ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy, pulmonary function test, 6-minute walk test and heart catheterization.

RESULTS

Three out of five patients underwent pulmonary artery or vein angioplasty and stenting resulting in symptomatic improvement: Patient 1 had persistent symptomatic improvement measured by subjective and objective methods at 30 months; patient 2 required re-intervention due to recurrent pulmonary vein stenosis at 6-months followed by persistent improvement; and patient 3, had a procedure complicated with in-stent thrombosis requiring thrombolysis and anticoagulation with improvement. The remaining two patients were medically treated because underlying thromboembolic disease (patient 4) and diffuse pulmonary vein stenosis not amenable to percutaneous intervention (patient 5).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary vascular stenosis from external compression can be a rare but unrecognized caused of worsening symptoms in advanced sarcoidosis. Pulmonary vascular angioplasty and stenting can provide clinical benefit in select patients.

Crohn's disease-associated interstitial lung disease mimicking sarcoidosis: a case report and review of the literature

Respiratory involvement in Crohn's disease (CD) is a rare manifestation known to involve the large and small airways, lung parenchyma, and pleura. The clinical presentation is nonspecific, and diagnostic tests can mimic other pulmonary diseases, posing a diagnostic challenge and delay in treatment. We report a case of a 60-year-old female with a history of CD and psoriatic arthritis who presented with dyspnea, fever, and cough with abnormal radiological findings. Diagnostic testing revealed an elevated CD4:CD8 ratio in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and cryoprobe lung biopsy results showed non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. We describe here the second reported case of pulmonary involvement mimicking sarcoidosis in Crohn's disease and a review of the literature on the approaches to making a diagnosis of CD-associated interstitial lung disease.

Role of Pulmonary Evaluation in Diagnosis of Neurosarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Neurosarcoidosis is a serious extra pulmonary manifestation of sarcoidosis. Its presentation ranges from peripheral or cranial neuropathy to central nervous system dysfunction. It can mimic stroke or multiple sclerosis. Due to the variation in clinical presentation, diagnosis is difficult and often delayed.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the proportion of patients with neurosarcoidosis who have positive findings on chest CT, lung biopsy or lymph node biopsy.

METHODS

Retrospective study at the Sarcoidosis and Interstitial Lung Disease Center at Wayne State University-Detroit Medical Center in Detroit, MI. Medical records of 424 patients were reviewed and 69 patients with neurosarcoidosis identified.

RESULTS

We found that most patients diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis had normal PFT values except for reduction in DLCO. However, we also found that 71% of the patients had abnormal findings on chest CT consistent with sarcoidosis.  Additionally, 57% of the patients had non-caseating granuloma on hilar lymph node biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Patients with neurosarcoidosis may not have any pulmonary symptoms. However, they are most likely to have abnormal chest CT, hilar lymphadenopathy and reduction in DLCO.  These data suggest that pulmonary evaluation is warranted in patients who are suspected to have neurosarcoidosis.

Causes of death in patients with chronic sarcoidosis

INTRODUCTION

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system, granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology that is associated with a variable prognosis and sometimes results in death. There are conflicting reports regarding the causes of death in patients with sarcoidosis.

METHODS

Forty-four consecutive patients with sarcoidosis who underwent an autopsy (35 patients) or died at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) over a 20-yr period, from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2013 were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median age at death was 63 years (range, 33-94 years) and there were 22 (50%) women. Sarcoidosis had not been clinically diagnosed in 16 (36%) patients before death. Fifteen deaths (34%) were related to sarcoidosis and included seven deaths (16%) from cardiac sarcoidosis and four deaths (9%) from progressive pulmonary sarcoidosis. Other sarcoidosis-related causes of death included advanced hepatic sarcoidosis (5%) and opportunistic infections (5%) related to immunosuppressive therapy for treating sarcoidosis. Among seven patients dying from cardiac sarcoidosis, three had been diagnosed with sarcoidosis during life and cardiac involvement was known in two of them. Six of seven deaths from cardiac sarcoidosis occurred in the autopsied cohort while all four deaths from pulmonary sarcoidosis occurred in those not autopsied.

CONCLUSIONS

In the majority of patients dying with sarcoidosis the cause of death is unrelated to sarcoidosis. Cardiac involvement is the most common cause of sarcoidosis-related deaths in patients subjected to postmortem examination and was usually undiagnosed during life. The cause distribution of death in patients with sarcoidosis differed depending on whether autopsy was performed.

Prognostic significance of surfactant protein A, surfactant protein D, Clara cell protein 16, S100 protein, trefoil factor 3, and prostatic secretory protein 94 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease

BACKGROUND

Identification of serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) biomarkers may facilitate diagnosis and prognostication in various lung disorders.

OBJECTIVE

Serum and BALF levels of surfactant protein A (SP-A), surfactant protein D (SP-D), Clara cell protein 16 (CC16), S100 protein, trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), and prostatic secretory protein 94 (PSP94) were evaluated in 94 consecutive patients (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; n=18), sarcoidosis (n=25), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; n=51)), and in 155 healthy controls.

METHODS

Biomarkers were measured at diagnosis and compared with disease characteristics. Both uniparametric and multiparametric analyses were used.

RESULTS

Seven significant correlations were found: 1) BALF PSP94 level correlated with prognosis of sarcoidosis (P=0.035); 2) BALF SP-D level with pulmonary functions in IPF (P=0.032); 3) BALF SP-D and TFF3 with IPF mortality (P=0.049 and 0.017, respectively); 4) serum TFF3 level with COPD mortality (P=0.006,); 5) serum SP-A with pulmonary functions impairment in IPF (P=0.011); 6) serum SP-D level was associated with HRCT interstitial score in IPF (P=0.0346); and 7) serum SP-A was associated with staging of COPD according to spirometry (P<0.001). Moreover, our analysis showed that some biomarker levels differed significantly among the diseases: 1) BALF SP-D level differed between sarcoidosis and IPF; 2) serum SP-A level differed among IPF, sarcoidosis, COPD and was also different from healthy controls; 3) serum S100A6, S100A11 levels differed among IPF, sarcoidosis, COPD from healthy controls 4) serum SP-D, CC16, TFF-3 levels distinguished IPF patients from healthy controls; and 5) serum CC16, TFF3, PSP94 distinguished COPD patients from healthy controls. Our study shows that some of selected biomarkers should have prognostic value in the analysed lung disorders. On the other hand, these biomarkers do not appear to be unequivocally suitable for differential diagnosis of these disorders.

Role of Xpert MTB/RIF in differentiating tuberculosis from sarcoidosis in patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy undergoing EBUS-TBNA: a study of 147 patients

BACKGROUND

In patients with intrathoracic lymphadenopathy, differentiating tuberculosis from sarcoidosis is often difficult. We hypothesized that Xpert MTB/RIF assay, a semi-automated hemi-nested PCR would help in this regard.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF in the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and sarcoidosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of patients with intrathoracic lymphadenopathy who underwent endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA), and were diagnosed as either tuberculosis or sarcoidosis. The results of Xpert MTB/RIF assay, tuberculin skin test and endosonographic characteristics (heterogeneous echotexture and coagulation necrosis sign) of the lymph nodes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

During the study period, 465 EBUS procedures were performed and a diagnosis of sarcoidosis (n=94) or tuberculosis (n=53) was made in 147 patients. Xpert MTB/RIF was positive in 26 (49.1%) and two (2.1%) patients with tuberculosis and sarcoidosis, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Xpert MTB/RIF in the diagnosis of tuberculosis were 49.1 %, 97.9%, 92.9% and 77.3%, respectively. The presence of any of the four features namely positive Xpert MTB/RIF, positive tuberculin skin test, heterogeneous echotexture of the lymph nodes, or the presence of endosonographic coagulation necrosis sign yielded a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 83.0% and 88.0%, respectively in the diagnosis of tuberculosis versus sarcoidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Xpert MTB/RIF has good specificity and positive predictive value in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, and is a useful investigation in separating tuberculosis from sarcoidosis.

Spontaneous resolution of a tumor like pulmonary sarcoidosis

We report a case of thoracic sarcoidosis in a 72-year-old female, snuff taker, who presented with multinodular pulmonary lesions on chest x-ray. Clinical and biological findings were poor. Thoracic imaging showed soft tissue density nodules with irregular borders. The diagnosis of 'cannon ball' metastases was suspected. A thorough investigation strategy could not prove malignancy. A complete radiologic clearing was obtained spontaneously within three months. A rereading of pathology slides performed afterwards showed multinucleated giant cells on hemorrhagic background with a lymphocytic alveolitis. The diagnosis of pseudotumoral sarcoidosis was made. The clinical course was favorable with a 6years follow-up.

A Rare Type of Alternating Bundle Branch Block in a Patient with Cardiac Sarcoidosis

The authors report a rare type of alternating bundle branch block observed in a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis. Not only alternation of complete right and left bundle branch block but also narrow QRS complexes were observed on electrocardiogram. The mechanism of these unusual findings is briefly discussed.

Fatigue and health-related quality of life in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis treated by oral Corticosteroids

BACKGROUND

It is not clear how well sarcoidosis-associated fatigue improves with definitive therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate improvement in fatigue in patients of sarcoidosis receiving oral corticosteroid therapy, and correlate it with clinical recovery and change in health-related quality of life (HRQL).

METHODS

We studied 51 newly diagnosed adult patients of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis Health questionnaire (SHQ) was used to assess HRQL. Fatigue was evaluated using Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). All patients received six month treatment with oral prednisolone, and SHQ and FAS were administered before initiation and after completion of treatment. Baseline and post-treatment scores were compared and a 4-point change in FAS scores considered clinically significant.

RESULTS

All patients improved clinically and radiologically with therapy. Body aches, however, persisted in 12 of 28 (42.9%) patients having this symptom at baseline. 33 patients (64.7%) had pre-treatment fatigue (FAS >=22), of which seven (13.7%) were severely fatigued (FAS score >=35). Of them 21 (63.6%) and 4 (12.1%) patients respectively showed improvement and deterioration in FAS score by >4 points. Only five of 18 patients with baseline FAS score <22 also showed >4 point score increment after treatment, and four of them developed fatigue during therapy. All patients with baseline severe fatigue improved. Overall, FAS scores, and all SHQ domain scores, significantly improved with treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Both fatigue as well as HRQL improved significantly, and largely parallelly, with treatment for sarcoidosis. Persistence of fatigue, or new onset fatigue, may be encountered during treatment, possibly as an adverse effect of corticosteroid therapy.

Evaluation of Tpeak-Tend interval and Tpeak-end/QT ratio in patients with Sarcoidosis

rdiogram (ECG), can be used as a marker of transmural dispersion of repolarization. Also, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios are used as an index of arrhythmogenesis. Prolonged Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio was found associated with sudden cardiac death in different clinical conditions. Novel ventricular repolarization parameters, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios have not been evaluated in patients with sarcoidosis without cardiac symptoms previously.Therefore, we investigated Tp-e interval in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

METHODS

Sixty-one consecutive patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven pulmonary sarcoidosis were retrospectively reviewed. The 12-lead ECG examinations were performed at speed of 25 mm/s while the patients were in supine position.  QT dispersion, Tp-e intervals and Tp-e/QT ratio were measured.

RESULTS

Comparison of ECG parameters between two groups showed a significantly higher average heart rate (p< 0.05) in the patients with sarcoidosis than controls. QT dispersion was higher in patients group. Tp-e interval was significantly prolonged in the study group compared to the control group (92±21 ms and 85±14 ms, respectively; p< 0.05). Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were significantly higher in patients with sarcoidosis compared to control subjects (all p values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The novel repolarization parameters Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios are increased in patients with sarcoidosis without any cardiac symptoms. These parameters might be used as a marker for predicting the ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in patients with sarcoidosis.

Polishing surgical metal pieces, granulomatosis and mineralogical analysis

This report describes the case of a 44-year-old man with pulmonary nodules whose histological analysis initially suggested tuberculosis. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) culture was negative and a questionnaire revealed a professional activity of brushing and polishing surgical instruments without any protection for 7 years.  A mineralogical analysis by optical and electron microscopy was performed on both a healthy lung tissue biopsy and a lung nodule in a paraffin block. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of metal particles (iron oxide, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide and steel) in both samples. This study suggests that mineralogical analysis combined with a questionnaire on dust exposure could help redirect the diagnosis of a dust-related disease.

Extensive pulmonary sarcoid reaction in a patient with BMPR-2 associated idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive life-threatening disease characterized by vascular remodeling. There is evidence that varied immune mechanism play an important role in progression of pulmonary hypertension.  We describe a case of a 35-year-old woman with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and a novel BMPR2 mutation, who underwent a successful lung transplantation.  Extensive granulomatous inflammation was seen in the resected lungs. The granulomatous inflammation found in the histology supports  a sarcoid-like reaction due to pulmonary hypertension in the context of the BMPR2 mutation.

Fatigue in sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: differences in character and severity between diseases

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are two common forms of interstitial lung disease. Fatigue is a recognised feature of sarcoidosis but an association between IPF and fatigue has not been investigated.

RATIONALE

To investigate the frequency and severity of fatigue in these groups, and variables affecting fatigue scores.

METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire study of patients with sarcoidosis and IPF followed-up at a single hospital was undertaken. Questionnaire data included validated measures of fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleepiness and dyspnoea, plus measures of disease severity including spirometry data.

RESULTS

Questionnaires were administered to 232 patients (82 healthy volunteers, 73 sarcoidosis patients and 77 IPF patients). Sarcoidosis patients had statistically higher sleepiness scores but no significant difference was seen between overall measures of fatigue, anxiety or depression. Stratification by severity revealed a non-statistically significant tendency towards more severe fatigue scores in sarcoidosis. Regression analysis failed to identify any significant predictor variables measured in the sarcoidosis cohort, though in the IPF group both dyspnoea and sleepiness scores were significant predictors of fatigue (R2=0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Both sarcoidosis and IPF patients suffer with fatigue, although sarcoidosis patients tended towards reporting more severe fatigue scores, suggesting a subgroup with severe fatigue. The fatigue experienced by the two groups appears to be different; sarcoidosis patients report greater frequency of mental fatigue whereas IPF patients appear to suffer exhaustion, potentially related to dyspnoea. Dyspnoea and sleepiness scores modeled the majority of fatigue in the IPF group, whereas no single factor was able to predict fatigue in sarcoidosis.