[Many faces of sarcoidosis]

Sarcoidosis is a systemic, inflammatory, granulomatous disease of unknown origin that can involve any organ. More than 90% of patients have thoracic sarcoidosis, which most frequently presents with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. In approximately 20% of patients with thoracic sarcoidosis there is involvement of the lung parenchyma as well as mostly asymptomatic cardiac sarcoidosis in up to 55% of patients. Most patients are asymptomatic and the diagnosis is an incidental finding on chest X-ray or during clarification of unspecific symptoms, such as fatigue or cough. In approximately two thirds of patients the disease undergoes spontaneous remission and in one third the disease follows a chronic or even progressive course. Furthermore, sarcoidosis can also be manifested in the abdominal organs, the central nervous system (CNS) and the musculoskeletal system. These manifestations are frequently subclinical and require targeted diagnostics when sarcoidosis is clinically suspected.

[Pulmonary sarcoidosis - clinical features, diagnosis and treatment]

Sarcoidosis is a rare multiorgan granulomatous disease of unknown etiology, mostly affecting young adults, with predilection for hilar lymph nodes and the lung. Despite clinical and histologic similarities between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, the role of M. tuberculosis in the etiopathogenesis of sarcoidosis is still not clear. Over recent years numerous studies identifying peripheral blood T-cell response to various mycobacterial antigens were published. In parallel, there is no direct evidence for the role of alive M. tuberculosis in the development of sarcoidosis, as evidenced by negative culture in these patients. Exclusion of active tuberculosis as the granulomatous disease of known cause, still remain the important step in diagnostic work-up in sarcoidosis. Development of bronchoscopic techniques significantly reduced the number of surgical procedures. Combination of a few biopsy techniques: transbronchial needle aspiration, endobronchial biopsy and transbronchial lung biopsy, can achieve the optimum diagnostic yield. Because of the large percentage of spontaneous remission in sarcoidosis, the decision of treatment should be taken with caution. Corticosteroids still remain first-line therapy in sarcoidosis. Methotrexate is the most commonly used second-line drug. TNFα-antagonists are the therapeutic option in refractory sarcoidosis. In this article we summarise the present knowledge about the most common localization of sarcoidosis - pulmonary sarcoidosis, with special emphasis on the current etiologic hypothesis, possibility of diagnosis and treatment.

An Unusual Cause of a Solitary Lung Cavity

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Pulmonary involvement is common, but lung nodules in sarcoidosis are uncommon, and solitary nodules that cavitate are extremely rare. Nodular sarcoidosis is usually found in young, healthy, predominantly female individuals. These lesions need to be differentiated from multiple other conditions, including neoplasms and granulomatous infections. A thorough workup for other etiologies of cavitary lung lesions is required for diagnosis. Despite an ominous presentation, nodular cavitary sarcoidosis portends a favorable outcome. We report a patient who presented with a solitary cavitary nodular lung lesion that was diagnosed as sarcoidosis after extensive workup.

[Differential diagnosis of granulomatous lung diseases]

Brief review of histopathology of non-tumor pulmonary diseases with nodular or granulomatous morphology. Differential diagnosis of infections, sarcoidosis, vasculitides with a granulomatous component and selected pneumoconioses is presented.

[Clinical and prognostic aspects of pulmonary sarcoidosis in servicemen]

The authors analysed clinical, radiological and laboratory aspects of respiratory tract sarcoidosis in servicemen, analysed the quality of life, correlation analysis to determine the risk factors for relapse of the disease. It was found that respiratory tract sarcoidosis of I and II stage was diagnosed in 85.5% of servicemen; in 72% of servicemen prevails asymptomatic course of a disease. Despite the prevalence of asymptomatic forms of the disease, the quality of life of servicemen with sarcoidosis has reduced. The factors associated with recurrent disease: age > 35 years; the presence of clinical manifestations; forced vital capacity < 85% of predicted values; systemic glucocorticoid therapy in history. Designed range forecast recurrent course of sarcoidosis in young patients having a high predictive value.

Ocular and systemic features of sarcoidosis and correlation with the International Workshop for Ocular Sarcoidosis diagnostic criteria

PURPOSE

To describe the ocular and systemic features in biopsy proven (definite) and non-biopsy proven (clinical) ocular sarcoidosis and to compare the ocular features with those proposed by the International Workshop for Ocular Sarcoidosis (IWOS).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 83 patients who attended a tertiary referral uveitis clinic and were diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the type of diagnosis: those who had tissue biopsy confirmed diagnosis 'definite sarcoidosis' (n= 42; 50.60 %) and those who had 'clinical sarcoidosis' (n= 41; 49.40%). Ocular and systemic manifestations, including lung function tests and bronchoalveolar lavage findings were compared in the two groups. The ocular features were also compared with the categories laid down by the International Workshop on Ocular Sarcoidosis (IWOS).

RESULTS

The mean age at presentation was 38.75 years (SD=12.33), 55.42% patients were female and mean follow-up was 24.35 months (SD=18.35). Trabecular meshwork nodules and/or tent-shaped PAS (category II of IWOS) were observed more frequently in patients with biopsy proven sarcoidosis (26.19 % v/s 9.76%; p=0.08). After logistic regression analysis, the predictor coefficient curve showed area under curve of 0.7262. Lymphocytosis (38.61% and 28.02%, p=0.93) and monocytosis (55.11% and 53.83%, p=0.56) on bronchoalveolar lavage analysis was present in both the groups, highlighting presence of granulomatous disease.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests high reliability for the clinical diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis in patients with signs recommended by IWOS and that our diagnostic criteria are consistent with that of the IWOS.

Cathelicidin as a link between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis

SETTING

Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis share notable clinical, radiological, histological, and immunological similarities. The importance of vitamin D has long been investigated in these two granulomatous lung diseases. Cathelicidin is an antimicrobial peptide of the innate immune system, directly induced by vitD3.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of cathelicidin in sarcoidosis and tuberculosis development.

DESIGN

The study included 30 consecutive patients with active lung tuberculosis, 30 patients with sarcoidosis, and 20 healthy controls. 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and cathelicidin levels were measured in blood samples.

RESULTS

Vitamin D levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) in tuberculosis patients (22.5 ± 9.96 ng/ml) than in sarcoidosis patients (11.75 ± 8.92 ng/ml). Severe vitamin D deficiency was as frequent as 47% in sarcoidosis patients compared to only 3% in tuberculosis patients. Cathelicidin levels were significantly higher in the control group (120.37 ± 41.03 pg/ml) than in sarcoidosis (67.68 ± 38.03 pg/ml) and tuberculosis (68.74 ± 39.44 pg/ml) patients (p<0.001). However, no significant difference in cathelicidin levels was observed between tuberculosis and sarcoidosis patients (p=0.966). The optimum cathelicidin cut-off value to distinguish sarcoidosis patients from healthy controls was 107.14 pg/ml (sensitivity 81.5%, specificity 71.2%).

CONCLUSION

Cathelicidin appears to play different roles in the development of granulomatous lung disease.

Placenta-derived mesenchymal-like cells (PDA-001) as therapy for chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis: a phase 1 study

BACKGROUND

Placental derived mesenchymal-like cells have been found to have immunosuppressive effects on T cell function. We studied mesenchymal-like cells as immunomodulators in chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis.

METHODS

PDA-001 cells were culture-expanded in vitro as a plastic-adherent, undifferentiated cell population that expresses the nominal phenotype CD34-, CD10+, CD105+ and CD200+. Four patients with refractory pulmonary sarcoidosis received two infusions of 150 million PDA-001 cells in 240 ml dextran-40 solution one week apart. During and for two hours after the first infusion, the pulmonary artery pressure was monitored. Prior to first infusion and within 24 hours after the second infusion, bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed. Patients underwent initial and serial pulmonary function testing and were followed for two years.

RESULTS

After the first infusion, all patients had a mild, non-clinically significant increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure, but none exhibited right heart failure or volume overload. In the year following treatment, there was no significant change in the FVC, but two patients had improvement in their chest x-ray and had prednisone withdrawn. BAL samples after the second infusion were sufficiently viable to undergo FACS analysis in three cases and in two patients, CD10+CD49c+C105+ cells (indicative of PDA-001 cells) were found.

CONCLUSION

The use of placental derived mesenchymal-like cells led to a mild increase in pulmonary artery pressure. In some cases, these cells were found in the BAL 24 hours after the second dose. Two of four patients demonstrated some steroid sparing benefit, including one patient with prolonged remission.

Estimation using the impulse oscillation system in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Limitations in airflow are detected in some patients with sarcoidosis in association with a poor prognosis. The impulse oscillation system (IOS) is used to treat patients with obstructive lung disease, as it can sensitively detect increased airway resistance.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the characteristics of parameters obtained with IOS in patients with sarcoidosis.

METHODS

Forty-six pulmonary sarcoidosis patients at Chiba University Hospital and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. The subjects underwent IOS, pulmonary function testing and multidetector computed tomography. We evaluated the correlations between these indices in the pulmonary sarcoidosis patients and compared the pulmonary sarcoidosis patients with the healthy controls.

RESULTS

The ratio of V50/V25, percentage of wall area (WA%), resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and difference between the R5 and R20 (R5-R20) values of the patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis were significantly increased compared to those observed in the controls. Inverse weak correlations were observed between the R5-R20 values and the forced expiratory volume in one second (r = -0.56; p <0.001). The R5-R20 values were correlated with the V50/V25 (r = 0.42; p < 0.005) and WA% (r = 0.43; p < 0.05) values. The WA% values were also significantly correlated with the V50/V25 (r = 0.32; p < 0.05) and R5 (r = 0.33; p < 0.05) values.

CONCLUSIONS

IOS parameters were found to be significantly correlated with pulmonary function parameters and the airway wall thickness in pulmonary sarcoidosis patients. IOS is considered to be useful for detecting early manifestations of airflow limitation in pulmonary sarcoidosis patients.

Benefits of physical training in patients with idiopathic or end-stage sarcoidosis-related pulmonary fibrosis: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The natural history of disease in patients with stage IV (fibrotic) sarcoidosis may mirror that of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Both are bothered by progressive dyspnea, exercise limitation and fatigue.

OBJECTIVE

To establish whether patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis might benefit from a physical training program.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-four eligible patients referred to the out-patient clinic of the ild care expertise team of Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Ede, The Netherlands between November 2012 and November 2013 were included in this observational pilot study of a 12-week physical training program. Outcomes, including exercise capacity, skeletal muscle strength, lung function and fatigue were assessed at two time points: 1) baseline; and 2) after completion of a 12-week physical training program.

RESULTS

At baseline, the percentage predicted DLCO, FVC, FEV1 and exercise capacity (assessed by six-minute walking distance (6MWD) or maximal oxygen uptake) was reduced in both groups. After program completion, exercise capacity improved (&gt;10% improvement 6MWD) in 13 subjects (54.2%): 7 with IPF and 6 with sarcoidosis subjects. Other secondary endpoints, including pulmonary function tests and patient-reported outcome measures improved in some subjects.

CONCLUSION

A 12-week physical training program improved or maintained exercise capacity in patients with IPF (despite disease progression) or fibrotic sarcoidosis. The results from this pilot study could be used to design prospective studies aimed at answering lingering questions about exercise training in patients with these progressive, incurable conditions.

Does physical training reduce fatigue in sarcoidosis?

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis patients frequently experience fatigue, exercise intolerance and muscle weakness, resulting in reduced quality of life (QOL). Scientific studies on the benefits of physical training in sarcoidosis have been scarce, so the aim of this pilot study was to examine the impact of a 13-week physical training program on fatigue, physical functions and QOL in fatigued sarcoidosis patients and/or patients with exercise intolerance.

METHODS

18 sarcoidosis patients participated in a 13-week physical training program. The Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF assessment instrument (WHOQOL-BREF),Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), submaximal bicycle test and muscle strength of the quadriceps and elbow flexors were assessed at baseline and after the program.

RESULTS

FAS scores had decreased (mean difference -2.7 points, 95% CI -4.4 to -1.1) after completion of the training program, along with improvements in WHOQOLBREF psychological health domain (mean difference 0.9 points, 95% CI 0.2 to 1.7) and MRC dyspnea score (mean difference -0.4 points, 95% CI -0.8 to -0.1). 6MWD improved by 34.6 m (95% CI 20.3 to 49.0) and mean heart rate on the bicycle test improved (mean difference 8.4 beats/minute, 95% CI -13.8 to -3.0), as did quadriceps strength (mean difference 10.7 kg, 95% CI 5.5 to 15.9).

CONCLUSION

Fatigue reduced after a period of physical training in sarcoidosis patients. Moreover, psychological health and physical functions improved. Future studies are warranted to assess the benefits of physical training in sarcoidosis.

CD34+ progenitor cells in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unclear etiology, immunopathogenesis complex and diverse clinical course.

AIM

The aim of study was to evaluate the usefulness of CD34+ cells, CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes in peripheral blood for the diagnosis and better understanding of the sarcoidosis pathogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 40 patients (16 women and 24 men) aged 29-71 years (mean 45 years) with newly diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects (18 women and 12 men) aged 24-65 years (mean 47 years). Tests were performed in peripheral blood, and lymphocytes CD4 and CD8 and progenitor CD34+ cells surface antigens were determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

It has been shown that number of CD34+ progenitor cells in peripheral blood was significantly higher in patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis and showed a positive correlation with CD4/ CD8 rate.

CONCLUSIONS

CD34+ progenitor cells may be important in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. It is necessary to conduct further studies that identify heterogenous population of CD34+ cells with particular focus on fibrocytes.

The effect of corticosteroids on quality of life in a sarcoidosis clinic: the results of a propensity analysis

BACKGROUND

Both sarcoidosis and its treatment may worsen health related quality of life (HRQoL). We performed a propensity analysis of sarcoidosis-specific HRQoL patient reported outcome measures (PRO) to disentangle the effects of sarcoidosis and corticosteroid therapy on HRQoL in sarcoidosis outpatients.

METHODS

Consecutive outpatient sarcoidosis patients were administered modules from two sarcoidosis-specific HRQoL PROs: the Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire (SHQ) and the Sarcoidosis Assessment Tool (SAT). Patients were divided into those that received ≤500 mg of prednisone (PRED-LOW) versus >500 mg of prednisone (PRED-HIGH) over the previous year. SAT and SHQ scores were initially compared in the two corticosteroid groups. Then a multivariate analysis was performed using a propensity score analysis adjusted for race, age, gender and the severity of illness.

RESULTS

In the unadjusted analysis, the PRED-HIGH group demonstrated the following worse HRQoL scores compared to the LOW-PRED group: SHQ Daily (p = 0.02), SAT satisfaction (p = 0.03), SAT daily activities (p = 0.03). In the propensity analysis, the following domains demonstrated worse HRQoL in the PRED-HIGH group than the PRED-LOW group: SAT fatigue (p < 0.0001), SAT daily activities (p = 0.03), SAT satisfaction (p = 0.03). All these differences exceeded the established minimum important difference for these SAT domains. The SHQ Physical score appeared to demonstrate a borderline improved HRQoL in the PRED-HIGH versus the PRED-LOW group (p = 0.05).). In a post-hoc exploratory analysis, the presence of cardiac sarcoidosis may have explained the quality of life differences between the two corticosteroid groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our cohort of sarcoidosis clinic patients who received ≤500 mg of prednisone in the previous year had an improved HRQoL compared to patients receiving >500 mg on the basis of two sarcoidosis-specific PROs after adjusting for severity of illness. These data support the need to measure HRQoL in sarcoidosis trials, and suggest that the search should continue for effective alternative medications to corticosteroids.

Colonic sarcoidosis: Unusual onset of a systemic disease

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem chronic inflammatory condition of unknown etiology that has the potential to involve every tissue in the body. Sarcoidosis in the gastrointestinal system, and particularly the colon, is very rare. Here, we report the case of a 57-year-old man with no previous diagnosis of sarcoidosis who presented with new onset of abdominal pain and constipation. A colonoscopy revealed that the abdominal pain was caused by an obstructing lesion in the cecum-ascending colon and lacked a clear histologic diagnosis. Radiologic investigation revealed concentric wall thickening of the cecum-ascending colon with multiple satellite lymphadenopathies, highly suggestive of a malignancy. The patient underwent a laparotomy and a right hemicolectomy was performed. A diagnosis of colonic sarcoidosis was made after the resected specimen was examined. Additionally, a chest computed tomography scan revealed lung involvement with atypical radiologic features in the absence of respiratory symptoms. Only histologic examination of the surgical specimen can yield a diagnosis of gastrointestinal sarcoidosis due to the non-specificity of endoscopic and radiologic findings.

Comparison of conventional and ultrasound-guided needle biopsy techniques in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis: a randomized trial

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic biopsy techniques are useful in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. There is a need for randomized trials to establish where these procedures fit in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic yield of conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) with endobronchial ultrasound-guided TBNA (EBUS-TBNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in stages I and II of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients suspected of sarcoidosis were randomized to undergo TBNA or EBUS-TBNA or EUS-FNA. Patients with negative TBNA and EBUS-TBNA results underwent EUS-FNA and those with negative EUS-FNA results—EBUS-TBNA. If both tests were negative, patients in stage I were scheduled for mediastinoscopy (MS) and those in stage II—for transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB).

RESULTS

In 100 patients, 34 TBNA, 30 EBUS-TBNA, and 36 EUS-FNA procedures were performed at baseline. TBNA was positive in 20 patients (58.8%); EBUS-TBNA, in 23 (76.7%); and EUS-FNA, in 31 patients (86.1%). In patients with negative biopsy results, the second procedure was performed. The results of EUS-FNA were positive in 9 patients and of EBUS-TBNA—in none. Of 17 patients with negative results of both procedures, MS was performed in 6 patients and was positive in 2. In the remaining 11 patients, sarcoidosis was confirmed by TBLB. Sensitivity and accuracy of TBNA compared with EBUS-TBNA and EUS-FNA were 62.5% and 64.7%, 79.3% and 80%, and 88.6% and 88.9%, respectively. Sensitivity and accuracy of EBUS-TBNA were higher (P = 0.139) and of EUS-FNA were significantly higher compared with TBNA (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

In stages I and II of pulmonary sarcoidosis, endoscopic ultrasound is a reasonable approach but EUS-FNA seems to be the method of choice.

Activated CD8+ T cells and natural killer T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in hypersensitivity pneumonitis and sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis are diffuse parenchymal lung diseases characterized by formation of non-caseating granulomas with a bronchocentric distribution. Analysis of the white blood cell differential profile in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid can be a useful supplement in the diagnostic work-up.

OBJECTIVE

Diagnostic markers that can improve the discrimination of sarcoidosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis are wanted.

METHODS

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid fractions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing the activation marker HLA-DR and fractions of natural killer T cells determined by flow cytometry were investigated in sarcoidosis (N=83), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (N=10) and healthy control subjects (N=15).

RESULTS

In hypersensitivity pneumonitis, natural killer T cell fractions were over 7-fold greater [median (IQR): 5.5% (3.5-8.1) versus 0.7% (0.5-1.2), p<0.0001], and HLA-DR+ fractions of CD8+ lymphocytes were almost two fold greater [median (IQR): 79% (75-82) versus 43% (34-52), p<0.0001] than in sarcoidosis. In healthy control subjects, natural killer T cell fractions of leucocytes and HLA-DR+ fractions of CD8+ lymphocytes were lower [median (IQR): 0.3% (0.3-0.6) and 30% (26-34), p=0.02 and p=0.01 compared to sarcoidosis]. The combined use of these two markers seems to discriminate the diseases very well.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests a role for the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid lymphocyte subsets HLA-DR+ CD8+ T cells and natural killer T cells in the diagnostic work up of sarcoidosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Sneaky Sarcoidosis or a Metastatic Masquerade? - A case of nodular sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease of unclear pathogenesis that peaks between ages 20 to 39. Sarcoidosis is more common in women and affects blacks three times more frequently than whites. Nodular sarcoidosis is a rare variant of sarcoid that occurs in 1-4 percent of patients. It presents in female smokers with cough and shortness of breath. Nodular sarcoidosis often also presents as multifocal bilateral ill-defined nodules mimicking airspace disease or malignancy on imaging. Patients generally have a favorable prognosis, with complete resolution of the masses with steroid treatment. Herein, we present a case of nodular sarcoidosis in a female smoker who presented with cough, weight loss, and fever. Imaging revealed multiple pulmonary nodules, a dominant lung mass, and lymphadenopathy suggestive of malignancy. Ultimately, the patient underwent bronchoscopy and was diagnosed with nodular sarcoidosis; there was no evidence of malignancy or infectious process. Resolution of her symptoms ensued with steroid treatment.

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Presenting with Miliary Opacities

Lung lesions often appear in patients with sarcoidosis; however, miliary opacities are rare. We herein report the case of a 40-year-old woman with pulmonary sarcoidosis who presented with dyspnea on exertion. Subsequent computed tomography showed miliary opacities, and the presence of granulomas was confirmed by a transbronchial lung biopsy. Glucocorticoid therapy was initiated and the symptoms and miliary opacities rapidly improved. Although miliary sarcoidosis is uncommon, physicians should consider sarcoidosis in addition to tuberculosis, malignancy, and pneumoconiosis when presented with miliary opacities.

[A rare cause of heart failure]

We report the case of a 52 years old patient with dilated cardiomyopathy. Ischemic heart disease was excluded by coronary angiography. However, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy was present on plain chest radiography. Transbronchial biopsy showed non-necrotizing, epitheloid cell granulomas and thus sarcoidosis was diagnosed. A MRI of the heart confirmed the cardiac involvement by the sarcoidosis with corresponding structural changes.

[Clinical diagnostic and organizational aspects of providing care to patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis in the Armed Forces]

The data on the epidemiology and aetiology of sarcoidosis, the current classifications are presented. The basic provisions of the legal framework of medical management of patients suffering from sarcoidosis are given. The authors provided an analysis of the characteristics of diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis in the military, based on which we propose an algorithm of examination of patients with respiratory sarcoidosis in military health care facilities the Russian Defence Ministry, the recommended treatment regimens and order dynamic observation of patients. Invited to provide skilled care to patients with respiratory sarcoidosis selection based on the Main Military Clinical Burdenko Hospital specialized centre (department with bunks for the treatment of patients with sarcoidosis).

Adalimumab Induced Subcutaneous Nodular Sarcoidosis; A Rare Side Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitor

Adalimumab and other tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors have been shown in the recent years to successfully treat sarcoidosis refractory to systemic corticosteroids and other agents.  However, there have been an increasing number of cases of sarcoidosis paradoxically induced by these agents.  It is hypothesized that this is due to the disruption of the fine balance of cytokines involved in granuloma formation. We describe the first case of adalimumab-induced subcutaneous nodular sarcoidosis in a patient with pulmonary sarcoidosis.