The diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Clin Chest Med. 2008;29:415-427, viii. [PMID: 18539235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2008.03.009]

Sarcoidosis Diagnostic Score (SDS) system: Impact of race, sex, organ involvement and duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis

BACKGROUND

The Sarcoidosis Diagnostic Score (SDS) system has been established for sarcoidosis patients based on the WASOG organ involvement criteria. We evaluated modifications of the SDS system to determine if they improved its the diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

Biopsy-confirmed patients with sarcoidosis seen during a 7-month period at 9 sarcoidosis centers across the world. Patients with non-sarcoidosis seen at the same sites were served as control patients. Comparing the SDS-biopsy and SDS-clinical values of five groups: duration of symptoms prior to evaluation (≤1 years vs.>1 years, ≤2 years vs.>2 years), organ involvement (lung, eye, or cardiac), race, and sex.

RESULTS

A total of 990 patients with sarcoidosis and 1011 controls were included in this study. The SDS-clinical was significantly more discriminating for those undergoing assessment with symptoms for more than one year (z-statistic=2.570, p = 0.0102) or two years (z-statistic=2.546, p = 0.0109). However, the addition of two points for both >1 years and >2 years since onset of symptoms did not increase sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis with the SDS system. The SDS-clinical cut-off for patients with ocular or cardiac disease was two points higher than that for lung disease. There was no difference in SDS-clinical or biopsy AUC values based on gender or race.

CONCLUSIONS

The longer the duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis, the more likely the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was correct. For patients presenting with ocular or cardiac symptoms, evidence of multi-organ involved can improve the diagnostic accuracy of the SDS-clinical.

Establishing a Diagnosis of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Pulmonary sarcoidosis is the most prevalent manifestation of sarcoidosis and the commonest diagnosis in clinics for ILD. Due to the lack of a simple and reliable test, making the diagnosis is often challenging. There are three criteria that must always be considered: (1) compatible clinical presentation; (2) evidence of granuloma formation (usually non-caseating); and (3) exclusion of alternative causes of granulomatous disease. There are various tools available for diagnosis, amongst which serum biomarkers like sACE and sIL-2R, HRCT, BAL, EBUS/EUS and sometimes bronchoscopic or surgical lung biopsy are most contributive. However, the degree of invasiveness of the applied test and associated risk to the patient must be weighed against management consequences. In specific situations (e.g., presentation as Löfgren's syndrome) or when there is high suspicion based on HRCT in the context of supportive clinical findings, it might be justifiable to decide on a "working diagnosis of sarcoidosis" and to refrain from further invasive procedures for the patient. This should, however, preferably be agreed upon after discussion in an experienced multidisciplinary team and requires close follow-up of the patient. In general, it is advisable to always maintain a healthy dose of skepticism when making the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, especially when the clinical course of disease gives rise to this.

"The chameleon among diseases" - an explorative view of sarcoidosis and identification of the consequences for affected patients and relatives using qualitative interviews

INTRODUCTION

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease, with the lungs being the main site of manifestation. Although the exact etiology remains unclear, both genetic and environmental factors are being discussed. Diagnostic evaluation is challenging, and the management of chronic patients and assessment of their needs proves difficult, especially in the absence of targeted therapy. Studies on sarcoidosis patients have shown that quality of life is limited even after clinically measurable parameters have resolved. The question remains how patients and their relatives perceive medical care and the diagnostic process and how these affect their well-being.

METHODS

Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and their relatives between September 2019 and February 2020. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Deductive hypotheses were then formed based on categories according to personal aspects, symptoms, diagnostic, daily life activity, therapy, psychological aspects and wishes.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients and five relatives were included. Most patients reported subacute symptoms before the first organ-related episode. A high degree of personal initiative was required from the majority of respondents in both the diagnostic and subsequent therapeutic processes. In addition, respondents reported so-called "doctor-hopping", a lack of specialists or contacts, and a lack of medical support. The Internet and self-help groups played a fundamental role for patients and relatives in exchanging information with other affected persons and to compensate for an existing information deficit.

CONCLUSION

The results provide new insights into patients' and relatives' perceptions of the sarcoidosis diagnosis and treatment process. Identification of barriers such as a lack of physicians and an information deficit highlights potential targets for strategies to optimize sarcoidosis management.

A Pesky Spleen: A Painful Presentation of Extrapulmonary Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory and granulomatous disease of uncertain etiology that can impact various organ systems and exhibits diverse clinical presentations, which adds to the complexity of disease diagnosis and management. Pathologically, it is distinguished by the presence of noncaseating granulomas within the affected organ system. In this case report, we describe a 34-year-old Caucasian female patient with isolated splenic and possible hepatic involvement of sarcoidosis, presenting with severe abdominal pain. The absence of the typical pulmonary, cutaneous, or joint involvement posed challenges in achieving a definitive diagnosis and determining the appropriate management. Imaging studies revealed hepatic and splenic hypodensities, necessitating consideration of various differential diagnoses, including lymphoproliferative disorders, immunological disorders, environmental particle exposure, infectious causes, neoplasms, and drug reactions. The severity of symptoms in this case required hospital admission for pain and nausea control, biopsy, and eventual splenectomy with pathology that confirmed the diagnosis of splenic sarcoidosis.

Role of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents in treatment of sarcoidosis: A meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agent (anti-TNF-α) is considered an effective third-line therapy for refractory sarcoidosis,studies observing the efficacy of anti-TNF-α agents show conflicting results.

OBJECTIVE

We performed an up-to-date systemic meta-analysis to determine effectiveness and further elucidate the role of anti-TNF-α in the treatment of sarcoidosis.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was carried out in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for studies reporting the therapeutic effects of anti-TNF drugs on patients with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis, published up to April 10, 2022. The study was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under ID: CRD42022364614.

STUDY SELECTION

Clinical trials written reporting the therapeutic effects of anti-TNF drugs on patients with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Statistical analyses were performed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, and the random-effects model was used. The combined overall treatment success was determined for patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary sarcoidosis.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Overall treatment success rate wasdefined as no disease progression or improvement in symptoms.

RESULTS

Eight clinical trial articles were included in the meta-analysis; four used Infliximab, two Etanercept, one Adalimumab, and one Ustekinumab and Golimumab. The mean age of participants was 48.5 years. The duration of drug therapy ranged from 14 to 45 weeks. We found a combined overall treatment success rate, defined as no disease progression or improvement in symptoms, of 69.9% (95% CI 35.0-90.9, I2: 70%) in the pulmonary sarcoidosis group and 74.5% (95% CI 36.3-93.7, I2: 90%) in the extrapulmonary sarcoidosis group. There was no evidence of publication bias in either group.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Treatment of refractory sarcoidosis with anti-TNF-α agents was effective in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary sarcoidosis, with a slightly higher efficacy seen in extrapulmonary sarcoidosis. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to determine the effects of anti-TNF-α agents as a part of the management strategy of sarcoidosis. Patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis should be studied separately from patients with extrapulmonary sarcoidosis to adjust for confounding results.

Durable medication-free remission of sarcoidosis following discontinuation of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) have been used successfully in the treatment of sarcoidosis, but optimal duration of their use is unclear. Published studies have consistently suggested that withdrawal of therapy typically results in prompt disease relapse. The aim of this study is to identify and characterize patients with sarcoidosis in whom medication-free disease remissions were induced and sustained following treatment with and subsequent discontinuation of anti-TNF-α antibodies.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients satisfying three criteria: (1) histopathological documentation of sarcoidosis; (2) disease remission induced by anti-TNF-α antibodies, since discontinued; and (3) subsequent maintained clinical, radiological, and laboratory remission for at least one year without ongoing immunomodulatory medications.

RESULTS

Eight patients whose sarcoidosis remained in medication-free remissions were identified. The duration of remissions ranged from 22 to 132 months. All patients had previously had inadequate response to corticosteroid therapy and at least one steroid-sparing agent, prompting the use of anti-TNF-α antibodies. Before anti-TNF-α therapy was discontinued, all eight patients had been able to remain off systemic corticosteroid therapy for at least a year (range 12-130 months).

CONCLUSIONS

These observations suggest that in select sarcoidosis patients, anti-TNF-α antibodies may induce prolonged medication-free remissions. The sustained capacity to remain off corticosteroids during anti-TNF-α therapy may be a favorable prognostic indicator for maintained disease remission. These findings may help to develop principles for optimal utilization of these agents and to shed light onto the potential pathogenic role of TNF-α in this disease.

Histological Diagnosis of Ocular and Periocular Tuberculosis 1945 - 2020

BACKGROUND

Ocular tuberculosis is a rare but important differential diagnosis for inflammatory conditions of all eye tissues, including the ocular surface and adnexa. Tissue diagnostics may prove challenging as some ocular tissues are difficult to biopsy and the detection of pathogens may be insensitive. We were interested in how many cases in the archive of the ophthalmopathological laboratory had been diagnosed with (peri)ocular tuberculosis since 1945.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of historical records and specimens of the ophthalmopathology laboratory of the eye department at Freiburg university hospital. Systematic re-evaluation of available slides for presence of granuloma, necrosis, giant cells, acid fast bacteria, and chronic as well as acute inflammation, plus comparison of current and historic evaluations. In addition, we describe a recent case with tuberculoma of the iris.

RESULTS

There were 50,418 records archived since 1945, of which 23 specimens taken from 22 patients had been diagnosed as (peri)ocular tuberculosis. Of these, 22 (96%) were archived and available for re-interpretation. Four specimens (17%) had been excised from children. The most common tissues were enucleated eye globes (10/23, 44%), followed by the lacrimal sac (5/23, 22%) and conjunctiva (2/23, 9%). The most frequent histopathological findings were granulomas (23/23, 100%), chronic inflammation (22/23, 96%), giant cells (21/23, 91%), and necrosis (14/23, 61%). An acute inflammatory response was found in 4/23 specimens (17%). Ziehl-Neelsen stains for acid-fast bacteria had been performed in five cases, of which three were positive (60%). The greatest discrepancy between current and historical findings related to the presence of necrosis (59% consensus). In other findings, the consensus was high (78 - 96%). In a recent case of a patient with wasting syndrome attributed to lymphoma, histopathological workup of an iris tumour led to the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

CONCLUSION

Ocular tuberculosis is a rare but important histopathological differential diagnosis. In the available specimens, the classic finding of necrotizing inflammation was rarest and showed least consensus on histological re-evaluation. Other typical findings, such as giant cells and a predominantly lymphocytic infiltrate, are sometimes not found even with proven presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. They should not be considered essential in cases where there is strong clinical suspicion.

Diagnostic and Staging Value of Serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Sarcoidosis

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic and staging value of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE) in sarcoidosis.

Methods

Patients with suspected sarcoidosis treated in the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from 2010 to 2020 were included. The data of sACE, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complete blood count (CBC), lung function, bronchoalveolar lavage, and biopsy were collected. The differences between the sarcoidosis group and the nonsarcoidosis group and between different stages of sarcoidosis were compared. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used for the diagnostic test of sACE in sarcoidosis.

Results

A total of 84 cases with suspected sarcoidosis were included, among which 70 cases were confirmed to be sarcoidosis by biopsy. The mean value of sACE in sarcoidosis patients was 56.61 ± 30.80 U/L, which was significantly higher than that in nonsarcoidosis patients (28.07 ± 14.11 U/L, P = 0.001). The level of sACE in sarcoidosis patients with peripheral superficial lymph nodes and multiple system involvement was significantly higher than that in intrathoracic sarcoidosis patients (P = 0.009); the percentage of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of sarcoidosis patients was 45.39 ± 22.87%, which was significantly higher than that of nonsarcoidosis patients (P < 0.001). There was no correlation between sACE and ESR (correlation coefficient = −0.167). According to ROC curve analysis, when sACE ≥ 44.0 U/L, the sensitivity of sarcoidosis diagnosis was 61.4%, the specificity was 92.9%, and the AUC was 0.819.

Conclusion

sACE has a good specificity in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. sACE values in patients with sarcoidosis with systemic involvement were higher than those with simple intrathoracic sarcoidosis.

Granulomatous Sarcoidosis Mimics

Many granulomatous diseases can mimic sarcoidosis histologically and in terms of their clinical features. These mimics include infectious granulomatous diseases, granulomatous reactions to occupational and environmental exposures, granulomatous drug reactions, vasculitides and idiopathic granulomatous conditions. It is important to distinguish sarcoidosis from these mimics, as a misdiagnosis of these diseases may have serious consequences. This manuscript reviews numerous sarcoidosis mimics and describes features of these diseases that may allow them to be differentiated from sarcoidosis. Distinguishing features between sarcoidosis and its mimics requires a careful review of the medical history, symptoms, demographics, radiographic findings, histologic features, and additional laboratory data. Understanding the clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis and its mimics should lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment of granulomatous disorders that should improve the care of these patients. As the diagnostic criteria of sarcoidosis are not standardized, it is possible that some of these sarcoidosis mimics may represent varied clinical presentations of sarcoidosis itself.

Sarcoidosis: A Clinical Overview from Symptoms to Diagnosis

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease of unknown etiology characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs. It affects people of all ethnic backgrounds and occurs at any time of life but is more frequent in African Americans and Scandinavians and in adults between 30 and 50 years of age. Sarcoidosis can affect any organ with a frequency varying according to ethnicity, sex and age. Intrathoracic involvement occurs in 90% of patients with symmetrical bilateral hilar adenopathy and/or diffuse lung micronodules, mainly along the lymphatic structures which are the most affected system. Among extrapulmonary manifestations, skin lesions, uveitis, liver or splenic involvement, peripheral and abdominal lymphadenopathy and peripheral arthritis are the most frequent with a prevalence of 25-50%. Finally, cardiac and neurological manifestations which can be the initial manifestation of sarcoidosis, as can be bilateral parotitis, nasosinusal or laryngeal signs, hypercalcemia and renal dysfunction, affect less than 10% of patients. The diagnosis is not standardized but is based on three major criteria: a compatible clinical and/or radiological presentation, the histological evidence of non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in one or more tissues and the exclusion of alternative causes of granulomatous disease. Certain clinical features are considered to be highly specific of the disease (e.g., Löfgren's syndrome, lupus pernio, Heerfordt's syndrome) and do not require histological confirmation. New diagnostic guidelines were recently published. Specific clinical criteria have been developed for the diagnosis of cardiac, neurological and ocular sarcoidosis. This article focuses on the clinical presentation and the common differentials that need to be considered when appropriate.

Granulomatous lung disease: clinical aspects

INTRODUCTION

Granulomatous lung diseases (GLD) are heterogeneous group of diseases that can be broadly categorized as infectious or noninfectious. This distinction is extremely important, as the misdiagnosis of a GLD can have serious consequences. In this manuscript, we describe the clinical manifestations, histopathology, and diagnostic approach to GLD. We propose an algorithm to distinguish infectious from noninfectious GLD.

AREAS COVERED

We have searched PubMed and Medline database from 1950 to December 2019, using multiple keywords as described below. Major GLDs covered include those caused by mycobacteria and fungi, sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and vasculidities.

EXPERT OPINION

The cause of infectious GLD is usually identified through microbiological culture and molecular techniques. Most noninfectious GLD are diagnosed by clinical and laboratory criteria, often with exclusion of infectious pathogens. Further understanding of the immunopathogenesis of the granulomatous response may allow improved diagnosis and treatment of GLD.

Comparison of lung microbiota between antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and sarcoidosis

Microbial involvement in the pathogenesis have been suggested in both antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) and sarcoidosis, both of which have lung involvement. However, exhaustive research to assess the bacteria in the lung in AAV and in sarcoidosis have not been performed. We sought to elucidate the distinct dysbiotic lung microbiota between AAV and sarcoidosis. We used 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing to obtain the bacterial community composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with AAV (n = 16) compared to patients with sarcoidosis (n = 21). The patients had not undergone therapy with immunosuppressive medication when their BALF was acquired. No difference was observed in α-diversity between patients with AAV and patients with sarcoidosis when using all the detected taxa. We defined the taxa of the oral cavity by using the data of oral microbiota of healthy individuals from the Human Microbiome Project (HMP). The analysis using only oral taxa made the difference in α-diversity between AAV and sarcoidosis clearer compared with those using all the detected taxa. Besides, the analysis using detected taxa except for oral taxa also made the difference in α-diversity between AAV and sarcoidosis clearer compared with those using all the detected taxa. A linear negative relationship between the α-diversity and Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) was detected in the AAV group. The observed p-value for the effect of the disease groups on the ß-diversity was small while the effect of other factors including sex and smoking status did not have small p-values. By excluding oral taxa from all the detected taxa, we found a cluster mainly consisted of sarcoidosis patients which was characterized with microbial community monopolized by Erythrobacteraceae family. Our results suggested the importance of considering the influence of oral microbiota in evaluating lung microbiota.

Cutaneous sarcoidosis: clinico-epidemiological profile of 72 patients at a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

Background

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease of unknown cause that is characterized by the presence of granulomas in various organs. Cutaneous involvement is common and the reported incidence has varied from 9% to 37%. Studies on cutaneous sarcoidosis in Brazil are lacking.

Objectives

To describe the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis diagnosed at the Department of Dermatology of the University of São Paulo, from May 1994 to March 2018.

Methods

Clinical data of patients with confirmed cutaneous sarcoidosis were retrospectively reviewed and classified according to gender, ethnicity, age at diagnosis, cutaneous presentation, systemic involvement and treatment.

Results

Cutaneous sarcoidosis was diagnosed in 72 patients with a female predominance (74%). The mean age at diagnosis was 49.6 years and most of the patients were white (61%). Papules and plaques were the most common lesions. Systemic sarcoidosis was detected in 81% of patients, affecting mainly the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes (97%). Typically, cutaneous lesions were the first manifestation (74%). Systemic therapy was necessary for 72% of patients; the dermatologist managed many of these cases. Oral glucocorticoids were the most commonly used systemic medication (92%). The mean number of systemic drugs used was 1.98 per patient.

Limitations

Insufficient data in medical records.

Conclusions

This series highlights the dermatologist role in recognizing and diagnosing cutaneous sarcoidosis, evaluating patients for systemic disease involvement and treating the skin manifestations. Cutaneous sarcoidosis was once considered exceedingly infrequent in Brazil in comparison to infectious granulomatous diseases; however, the present series seems to suggest that the disease is not so rare in this region.

Diagnostic yield and safety of transbronchial cryobiopsy in sarcoidosis

Introduction

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is an endoscopic technique proven to be useful in diagnostic approach to interstitial lung disease (ILD), but its role in sarcoidosis is not fully established. The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic yield of TBLC in sarcoidosis and its safety profile.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients, evaluated in a tertiary hospital ILD outpatient clinic, who underwent TBLC in the diagnostic work-up. TBLC was performed in accordance with the 2018 expert statement from the Cryobiopsy Working Group.

Results

32 patients were included (mean±sd age 47.7±12.6 years, 59.4% male) and divided into three groups: highly likely sarcoidosis (n=21), possible sarcoidosis (n=6) and unlikely sarcoidosis (n=5). A mean of 2.8±0.8 TBLCs were performed. The definitive diagnosis was established by TBLC in 20 out of 27 patients with suspected sarcoidosis. Two patients were diagnosed with sarcoidosis by other methods performed afterwards. TBLC leaded to other diagnosis as well, such as fungal infection (n=1), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (n=1) and silicosis (n=3), making the diagnostic yield for suspected sarcoidosis of TBLC of 92.6%. TBLC was also able to show compatible histological features in five patients whom sarcoidosis was not previously considered. The complications reported overall were pneumothorax in five (15.6%) patients and moderate bleeding in one (3.1%) case.

Conclusion

In this cohort, TBLC was a safe, reliable and useful procedure in sarcoidosis diagnosis. These results suggest that TBLC can be used successfully in those cases where a definitive diagnosis could not be reached with the usual and less-invasive diagnostic tools.

TBLC is a safe procedure with a high diagnostic yield in patients with a prior suspicion of sarcoidosis. Moreover, it can diagnose atypical cases in which previous methods are inconclusive.http://bit.ly/2KWJxLG

The diagnosis of sarcoidosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the diagnostic approach to sarcoidosis. There is no gold standard diagnostic test, procedure or algorithm for sarcoidosis. The diagnosis is based on a compatible clinical presentation, histologic findings of granulomatous inflammation, exclusion of alternative diseases, and evidence of systemic involvement. Occasionally, there may be exceptions to several of these requirements.

RECENT FINDINGS

The diagnostic specificity of several specific clinical features are discussed. Typical histologic findings of sarcoidosis are described. Several diseases that may mimic sarcoidosis are reviewed.

SUMMARY

The diagnosis of sarcoidosis usually involves weighing the clinical evidence for and against the diagnosis, coupled in most cases with histologic evidence of granulomatous inflammation. This approach requires knowledge of the varied presentations of the disease and other alternative conditions as well as histologic examination of an affected tissue in most instances.

Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sarcoidosis

The focus of this review is current knowledge about the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of both pulmonary sarcoidosis and extrapulmonary sarcoidosis. Although intrathoracic involvement is the hallmark of the disease, present in over 90% of patients, sarcoidosis can affect virtually any organ. Clinical presentations of sarcoidosis are diverse, ranging from asymptomatic, incidental findings to organ failure. Diagnosis requires the presence of noncaseating granuloma and compatible presentations after exclusion of other identifiable causes. Spontaneous remission is frequent, so treatment is not always indicated unless the disease is symptomatic or causes progressive organ damage/dysfunction. Glucocorticoids are the cornerstone of treatment of sarcoidosis even though evidence from randomized controlled studies is lacking. Glucocorticoid-sparing agents and biologic agents are often used as second- and third-line therapy for patients who do not respond to glucocorticoids or experience serious adverse effects.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder of unknown cause that is characterized by granuloma formation in affected organs, most often in the lungs. Patients frequently suffer from cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and pronounced fatigue and are at risk of developing lung fibrosis or irreversible damage to other organs. The disease develops in genetically predisposed individuals with exposure to an as-yet unknown antigen. Genetic factors affect not only the risk of developing sarcoidosis but also the disease course, which is highly variable and difficult to predict. The typical T cell accumulation, local T cell immune response and granuloma formation in the lungs indicate that the inflammatory response in sarcoidosis is induced by specific antigens, possibly including self-antigens, which is consistent with an autoimmune involvement. Diagnosis can be challenging for clinicians because of the potential for almost any organ to be affected. As the aetiology of sarcoidosis is unknown, no specific treatment and no pathognomic markers exist. Thus, improved biomarkers to determine disease activity and to identify patients at risk of developing fibrosis are needed. Corticosteroids still constitute the first-line treatment, but new treatment strategies, including those targeting quality-of-life issues, are being evaluated and should yield appropriate, personalized and more effective treatments.

Sarcoidosis: muchas caras, una enfermedad. Revisión narrativa de la literatura

La sarcoidosis es una enfermedad granulomatosa sistémica de etiología desconocida. Esta puede afectar a pacientes de todas las latitudes y edades, siendo más frecuente entre la tercera y cuarta década de la vida con un segundo pico alrededor de los 50 años en las poblaciones escandinava y japonesa. Es más frecuente en mujeres y grave en la población afrodescendiente.Los antígenos que inician esta respuesta granulomatosa son desconocidos, pero se presume que son aerotransportados por la alta frecuencia de compromiso pulmonar en esta enfermedad. Su presentación clínica abarca una amplia gama de manifestaciones, desde formas agudas y limitadas hasta el compromiso crónico con daño orgánico progresivo y muerte. Su diagnóstico se basa en la existencia de los granulomas no caseificantes en los tejidos, con la exclusión de otras enfermedades, entre ellas infección por micobacterias. 

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in sarcoidosis: Beyond the diagnostic yield

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is the commonly used technique for pathological confirmation of clinically suspected sarcoidosis, mostly owing to its consistently high success rate in the detection of granulomas. However, other possible advantages, which are less appreciated and often poorly studied, may also contribute to the wider use of EBUS-TBNA in the future. These advantages include refinement of differential diagnoses through the study of lymph node characteristics during B-mode examination; reduction of complications associated with bronchoscopy, as well as improved triage of the specimen for ancillary studies with the use of rapid on-site evaluation; optimization of the quality of the sample through the selection of a target area for biopsy with minimal vascularity and absence of calcifications by using the colour Doppler and the B-mode; and prediction of the presence of extensive lymph node fibrosis by using the strain elastography module. Yet, limitations and possible clinical drawbacks should also be acknowledged. Indeed, due to the lack of specificity of the pathology findings in EBUS-derived samples, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis is one of the exclusion and should remain essentially clinical. The external validity of EBUS-TBNA results in sarcoidosis is questionable, as they mainly derive from studies in populations with a high disease prevalence. Finally, the risk exists that the low morbidity and high diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA may lead to its overuse in patients with clinical/radiological findings specific enough to secure a clinical diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Quantifying the relationship between symptoms at presentation and the prognosis of sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Although it is the general consensus that sarcoidosis patients who present with sarcoidosis-related symptoms have a worse outcome than patients whose disease is detected incidentally without symptoms, this premise has not been rigorously examined.

METHODS

Consecutive patients followed longitudinally at one US university sarcoidosis clinic were questioned concerning the onset and description of sarcoidosis-related symptoms at disease presentation. The patients were classified into those with no sarcoidosis-related symptoms at presentation (NSP group) and those with symptoms at presentation (SP group). The following outcomes were examined in the NSP and SP groups: most recent spirometry, organ involvement, need for sarcoidosis therapy, most recent health related quality of life (HRQOL) as measured by the Sarcoidosis Assessment Tool (SAT), most recent chest imaging Scadding stage results.

RESULTS

660 sarcoidosis patients were analyzed, with 175 in the NSP group and 485 in the SP group. Compared to the NSP group, the SP group had a more frequent requirement for any sarcoidosis treatment, corticosteroid treatment, and non-corticosteroid treatment at some time and within the most recent year of follow up (at least 50% more than the NP group with strong statistical differences with p values all 0.01 or less). In addition, the SP group had significantly more organ involvement (p < 0.001) and several worse SAT domains (p < 0.022) than the NP group. There were no differences between the groups in terms of final spirometry or development of Scadding stage 4 chest radiographs. These findings held even after adjusting for age, sex, race, and time between presentation and the most recent follow-up visit using a multivariable logistic regression framework.

CONCLUSIONS

In our sarcoidosis cohort, compared to the absence of symptoms at presentation, the presence of symptoms was associated with a greater need for treatment, more organ involvement, and worse HRQOL.

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: Prognostic Factors at Diagnosis in Patients from North of Portugal

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic granulomatous disease that affects the lungs in more than 90% of the patients. It is associated with a variable clinical course and considering all the different forms of disease presentation, there are an absence of reliable clinical prognostic markers that can predict the outcome at diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to investigate prognostic factors at diagnosis in a population of sarcoidosis patients from Northern Portugal.

METHODS

A group of 110 patients with chronic evolution was compared with 129 patients with disease resolution regarding their clinical, radiologic and laboratorial features.

RESULTS

We found a positive association between the chronic forms and lung function impairment, radiologic stage II, lower lymphocyte CD4/CD8 and extrapulmonary disease. Löfgren syndrome and asthenia instead had a protective significant association to chronicity. Our final logistic regression model found a significant independent association between age (adjusted OR=1.06), extrapulmonary involvement (adjusted OR=2.68), Löfgren's syndrome (adjusted OR=0.15) with outcome toward chronicity.

CONCLUSIONS

In this first study searching for prognostic factors at diagnosis in a Northern Portuguese population, we found clinical prognosis factors that have been described in other populations that should be considered whenever sarcoidosis is identified.

Sarcoidosis Diagnostic Score: A Systematic Evaluation to Enhance the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of sarcoidosis is made by the combination of clinical features and biopsy results. The clinical features of sarcoidosis can be quite variable. We developed a Sarcoidosis Diagnostic Score (SDS) to summarize the clinical features of patients with possible sarcoidosis.

METHODS

Biopsy-confirmed patients with sarcoidosis seen during a 7-month period at the University of Cincinnati sarcoidosis clinic were prospectively identified. Patients with nonsarcoidosis seen at the same clinic were used as control patients. Using a modified World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders organ assessment instrument, we scored all patients for presence of biopsy, ≥1 highly probable symptom, and ≥1 at least probable symptom for each area. Two sarcoidosis scores were generated: SDS biopsy (with biopsy) and SDS clinical (without biopsy).

RESULTS

The 980 evaluable patients were divided into two cohorts: an initial 600 patients (450 with biopsy-confirmed sarcoidosis, 150 control patients) to establish cutoff values for SDS biopsy and an SDS clinical and a validation cohort of 380 patients (103 biopsy-confirmed patients with sarcoidosis and 277 control patients). The best cutoff value for SDS biopsy was ≥ 6 (sensitivity, 99.3%; specificity, 100%). For the total the 980 patients, an SDS clinical ≥ 3 had a sensitivity of 90.6%, specificity of 88.5%, and a likelihood ratio of 7.9. An SDS clinical score ≥ 4 had a lower sensitivity of (76.9%) but higher specificity (98.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

For sarcoidosis, the presence of specific clinical features, especially multiorgan involvement, can enhance the diagnostic certainty. The SDS scoring system quantitated the clinical features consistent with sarcoidosis.

Repository corticotropin injection (H.P. Acthar gel) for the treatment of sarcoidosis-induced hypercalciuria and vitamin D dysregulation: a pilot, open label study

Background: Vitamin D dysregulation may occur in sarcoidosis patients and result in hypercalciuria, hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis, and renal impairment. We performed an open label pilot study of highly purified (H.P.) Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) (RCI) on patients with sarcoidosis-induced vitamin D dysregulation and hypercalciuria. Methods: Nine patients with sarcoidosis-induced vitamin D dysregulation and hypercalciuria on stable maintenance anti-sarcoidosis therapy received 80 units of RCI subcutaneously twice weekly for 12 weeks. 24-hour urinary calcium excretion was measured at baseline and at 12 weeks. Other parameters measured over 16 weeks (including 4 weeks post the last RCI dose) included the following serum values: calcium, 25-OH vitamin D, 1,25- diOH vitamin D and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH). In addition, the Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire (SHQ) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) as well as a urinary symptom score were measured in all subjects. Results: There was no significant change in the 24-hour urinary calcium excretion over 12 weeks of the study. However, there was evidence that RCI improved sarcoidosis-induced vitamin D dysregulation in that the serum 1,25- diOH vitamin D level significantly declined over 12 weeks. There was also improvement in most of the domains of the quality of life measures, although only a few of them reached statistical significance. There was also a trend toward improvement in urinary symptoms over the study period. The was evidence of the development corticosteroid side effects in the cohort, in that weight significantly increased over the study period. Conclusions: In this small pilot open label trial, 12 weeks of RCI did not significantly improve sarcoidosis-induced hypercalciuria. However, some statistically significant changes in serum vitamin D and PTH levels were demonstrated that were consistent with some amelioration of sarcoidosis-induced vitamin D dysregulation. Several corticosteroid-related side effects were demonstrated in this cohort. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2018; 35: 192-197).

Sarcoidosis: a review for the internist

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous lung disease of unknown origin affecting people of any age, mainly young adults. The disease is extremely heterogeneous with an unpredictable clinical course. Different phenotypes have been identified: an acute syndrome can be distinguished from subacute and chronic variants. About 20% of patients are chronically progressive and may develop lung fibrosis. Sarcoidosis usually involves the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes, although the skin, eyes, bones, liver, spleen, heart, upper respiratory tract and nervous system can also be affected. No reliable indicators of clinical outcome are available, and there is no single serological biomarker with demonstrated unequivocal diagnostic and prognostic value. Diagnosis requires histological confirmation although a presumptive diagnosis may be acceptable in special conditions. This review examines the diagnostic approach to sarcoidosis involving a multidisciplinary team of specialists in which the internist has the task of identifying all pulmonary and extrapulmonary localizations of the disease and of managing complications and comorbidities.

Increased Aqueous Humor CD4+/CD8+ Lymphocyte Ratio in Sarcoid Uveitis

Purpose: To determine aqueous humor CD4+/CD8+ T-lymphocyte ratio changes in sarcoid and non-sarcoid uveitis with anterior chamber involvement. Methods: The case-control study includes 61 patients with either anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis with anterior spill, or panuveitis. A total of 21 of them were categorized as sarcoid uveitis and 40 as non-sarcoid uveitis according to diagnostic criteria. CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the aqueous humor was determined using flow cytometry. Results: Significantly higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the aqueous humor was observed in patients with sarcoid uveitis (6.3 ± 1.4; mean ± SEM) compared to non-sarcoid uveitis (1.6 ± 0.1; mean ± SEM). Whole blood CD4+/CD8+ ratio was not elevated in subjects with sarcoid and non-sarcoid uveitis. Aqueous humor CD4+/CD8+ ratio >3.5 was observed to be associated with sarcoid uveitis (OR 38, 95% CI 7.0-205.2). Conclusion: Increased aqueous humor CD4+/CD8+ ratio in sarcoid uveitis. Immunophenotyping of localized lymphocytosis in aqueous humor could be utilized as an additional confirmatory marker for ocular sarcoidosis.

The Assessment of Cough in a Sarcoidosis Clinic Using a Validated instrument and a Visual Analog Scale

PURPOSE

Cough is a common symptom of pulmonary sarcoidosis. We analyzed the severity of cough and factors associated with cough in a university sarcoidosis clinic cohort.

METHODS

Consecutive patients completed the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and a cough visual analog scale (VAS). Clinical and demographic data were collected. Means of the LCQ were analyzed in patients who had multiple visits in terms of constant variables (e.g., race, sex).

RESULTS

355 patients completed the LCQ and VAS at 874 visits. Cough was significantly worse in blacks than whites as determined by the LCQ-mean (16.5 ± 2.6 vs. 17.8 ± 3.0, p < 0.001) and VAS-mean (3.8 ± 3.0 vs. 2.0 ± 2.6, p < 0.0001). Cough was worse in women than men as measured by the VAS-mean (2.7 ± 2.9 vs. 2.2 ± 2.7, p = 0.002), one of the LCQ-mean domains (LCQ-Social-mean 5.4 ± 0.9 vs. 5.2 ± 1.0, p = 0.03), but not the total LCQ-mean score. Cough was not significantly different by either measure in terms of smoking status, age, or spirometric parameter (FVC % predicted, FEV1 % predicted, FEV1/FVC). In a multivariable linear regression analysis, cough was significantly worse in blacks than whites and in pulmonary sarcoidosis than non-pulmonary sarcoidosis with both cough measures, in women than men for the VAS only, and not for spirometric parameters, Scadding stage, or age. The LCQ and VAS were strongly correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large university outpatient sarcoidosis cohort, cough was worse in blacks than whites. Cough was not statistically significantly different in terms of age, spirometric measures, Scadding stage, or smoking status. The LCQ correlated strongly with a visual analog scale for cough.

Association of anxiety sensitivity-physical concerns and FVC with dyspnea severity in sarcoidosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship of an objective functional lung parameter (FVC) and a subjective psychological factor (physical symptom concerns) with dyspnea in sarcoidosis. Dyspnea constitutes one of the most common and burdensome symptoms in sarcoidosis, yet little is known about its mechanisms and, in particular, psychological.

METHOD

A total of 107 hospitalized sarcoidosis patients (Female=50, M_age=45.3years) volunteered to take part in the correlational research study. Participants underwent spirometry and completed the MRC Dyspnea Scale and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI) questionnaire. Linear hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the studied predictors and dyspnea severity.

RESULTS

The best fitting model predicted 18% of variance in dyspnea severity. Physical symptom concerns subscale of ASI (β=0.24) and FVC (β=-0.23) were significantly related to dyspnea MRC severity, but only physical concerns remained significantly related to dyspnea when both predictors were in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results suggest that both psychological and physiological factors should be taken into account when explaining subjective dyspnea severity in sarcoidosis. More specifically, these findings call for including cognitive vulnerability factors related to anxiety (physical symptom concerns) into the diagnostic procedures and management of dyspnea in sarcoidosis.

Proteinuria in sarcoidosis: Prevalence and risk factors in a consecutive outpatient cohort

Introduction: While sarcoidosis has been recognized as a potential cause of proteinuria, no study has systematically evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for proteinuria in sarcoid patients. Methods: Consecutive sarcoid patients followed in a university clinic were identified prospectively. All patients with spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) between 11-2012 and 07-2015 were included in the analysis. Proteinuria was defined as a spot UPCR equal to or exceeding 0.3 mg/mg. The primary goal of the study was to determine the prevalence of proteinuria in this sarcoidosis cohort. Results: Our study cohort consisted of 190 sarcoidosis patients (65% female, 82% white, mean age of 53 years (range 24-88)). Proteinuria was present in 14/190 (7%) of this cohort. Only5/190 patients (2.5%) had proteinuria who did not have a risk factor for proteinuria. Estimating the 24-hour urine protein excretion by extrapolating from the spot UPCR, proteinuria was moderate in amount (mean 1.60, range 0.32-5.06 mg/mg). Proteinuric patients received a lower mean daily dose of corticosteroids compared to those without proteinuria (0 mg vs 4.7 mg of prednisone); however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.20). Conclusion: Our study found proteinuria in 7% of the 190 sarcoid patients. More than half of the patients with proteinuria had a known risk factor for proteinuria other than sarcoidosis. Proteinuria is uncommon in sarcoidosis, and, when it occurs, it should not be assumed that sarcoidosis is the cause without investigating alternative causes of proteinuria. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2017; 34: 142-148).

The role of serum amyloid A staining of granulomatous tissues for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies demonstrated that SAA staining of sarcoidosis granulomas was qualitatively and quantitatively different from other granulomatous diseases. These data suggest that positive SAA staining of granulomatous tissue may have adequate specificity to establish a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic specificity of SAA staining for sarcoidosis relative to other granulomatous disorders.

METHODS

Pathological specimens demonstrating granulomatous inflammation were retrospectively identified at one institution, plus 4 specimens were obtained from New York City firefighters with biopsy-confirmed World Trade Center "sarcoidosis-like" pulmonary disease. Specimens were analyzed if specific diagnoses related to the granulomatous inflammation were confirmed through medical record review. SAA staining was performed using previously developed methods. Two pathologists, blinded to each other and the diagnoses, determined if the stained material was SAA positive or negative. Discordant results were adjudicated by the two pathologists.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

106 specimens were analyzed from 100 patients, with 36 biopsies (34%) from sarcoidosis tissues and 70 (66%) from other granulomatous disorders. The Cohen Kappa correlation between the two pathologists for SAA staining positivity was excellent (0.85, 0.73-0.98). The overall specificity of SAA staining for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was 84% (59/70). The sensitivity was 44% (16/36).

CONCLUSIONS

Although SAA staining of various granulomatous tissues was fairly specific for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, the specificity was inadequate for SAA staining to be used as a diagnostic test for sarcoidosis in isolation. These data suggest that SAA production may not be a universal mechanism in the development of sarcoidosis.

Biomarkers in sarcoidosis

INTRODUCTION

Numerous biomarkers have been evaluated for the diagnosis, assessment of disease activity, prognosis, and response to treatment in sarcoidosis. In this report, we discuss the clinical and research utility of several biomarkers used to evaluate sarcoidosis. Areas covered: The sarcoidosis biomarkers discussed include serologic tests, imaging studies, identification of inflammatory cells and genetic analyses. Literature was obtained from medical databases including PubMed and Web of Science. Expert commentary: Most of the biomarkers examined in sarcoidosis are not adequately specific or sensitive to be used in isolation to make clinical decisions. However, several sarcoidosis biomarkers have an important role in the clinical management of sarcoidosis when they are coupled with clinical data including the results of other biomarkers.

Isolated neurosarcoidosis presenting with multiple cranial nerve palsies

Background:

As an extremely rare subtype of sarcoidosis that develops exclusively in the nervous system, isolated neurosarcoidosis is difficult to diagnose. In addition, its exact clinical features are not known.

Case Description:

A 61-year-old man presented with right ear hearing loss, diplopia, and fever. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging revealed mass lesions in the right cerebellum and left side body of the lateral ventricle. Neither systemic CT nor positron emission tomography revealed extracranial lesions. A neuroendoscopic biopsy was performed on the lateral ventricle lesion, and a histopathology analysis revealed epithelioid granulomatous inflammation. By systematic exclusion of other possible granulomatous diseases, isolated neurosarcoidosis was diagnosed. The lesions disappeared immediately upon corticosteroid (methylprednisolone) treatment and had not recurred as of a 12-month follow-up examination.

Conclusions:

Isolated neurosarcoidosis is difficult to diagnose. Successful diagnosis requires compatible clinical findings, histological demonstration of noncaseating granulomas, and exclusion of other granulomatous diseases. Isolated neurosarcoidosis has a relatively good clinical prognosis, which could be characteristic of the disease.

The Clinical Features of Sarcoidosis: A Comprehensive Review

Sarcoidosis has innumerable clinical manifestations, as the disease may affect every body organ. Furthermore, the severity of sarcoidosis involvement may range from an asymptomatic state to a life-threatening condition. This manuscript reviews a wide variety of common and less common clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis. These manifestations are presented organ by organ, although additional sections describe systemic and multiorgan presentations of sarcoidosis. The lung is the organ most commonly involved with sarcoidosis with at least 90 % of sarcoidosis patients demonstrating lung involvement in most series. The skin, eye, liver, and peripheral lymph node are the next most commonly clinically involved organs in most series, with the frequency of involvement ranging from 10 to 30 %. The actual frequency of sarcoidosis organ involvement is probably much higher as it is frequently asymptomatic and may avoid detection. This is particularly common with lung, liver, cardiac, and bone involvement. Cardiac sarcoidosis is present in 25 % of all sarcoidosis but only causes clinical problems in 5 % of them. Nevertheless, unlike sarcoidosis involvement of most other organs, it may be suddenly fatal. Therefore, it is important to screen for cardiac sarcoidosis in all sarcoidosis patients. All sarcoidosis patients should also be screened for eye involvement as asymptomatic patients may have eye involvement that may cause permanent vision impairment. Pulmonary fibrosis from sarcoidosis is usually slowly progressive but may be life-threatening because of the development of respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, or hemoptysis related to a mycetoma or bronchiectasis. Some manifestations of sarcoidosis are not organ-specific and probably are the result of a release of mediators from the sarcoid granuloma. Two such manifestations include small fiber neuropathy and fatigue syndromes, and they are observed in a large percentage of patients.

[Coexistence of pulmonary sarcoidosis and primary Sjögren's syndrome]

The paper describes a case of a rare coexistence of primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) and sarcoidosis in a 41-year-old female with histologically verified lung and locomotor system diseases and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. PSS was diagnosed based on the 2012 ACR classification criteria, in the framework of which serological, histological, and gland function tests and instrumental diagnostic methods were performed. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on clinical, radiographic, and histological findings.

How are cancer and connective tissue diseases related to sarcoidosis?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Several studies have suggested an association between sarcoidosis and cancer, and between sarcoidosis and connective tissue diseases (CTDs). In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting and refuting these associations.

RECENT FINDINGS

In terms of a cancer risk in sarcoidosis patients, the data are somewhat conflicting but generally show a very small increased risk. The data supporting an association between sarcoidosis and CTD are not as robust as for cancer. However, it appears that scleroderma is the CTD most strongly associated with sarcoidosis.

SUMMARY

There are several important clinical and research-related implications of the association of sarcoidosis and CTDs. First, rigorous efforts should be made to exclude alternative causes for granulomatous inflammation before establishing a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Second, the association between sarcoidosis and both cancer and CTDs may yield important insights into the immunopathogenesis of all three diseases. Finally, these data provide insight in answering a common question asked by sarcoidosis patients, 'Am I at an increased risk of developing cancer?' We believe that although there is an increased (relative) risk of cancer in sarcoidosis patients compared with the general population, that increased risk is quite small (low absolute risk).

Diagnosing sarcoidosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The usual diagnostic criteria for sarcoidosis include the documentation of a compatible clinicoradiologic scenario, biopsy proof of granulomas, and exclusion of alternate causes for the findings. Establishing the presence of multisystem disease, and longitudinal assessment for the emergence of potential sarcoidosis mimics both strengthen the diagnosis. These principles have constituted a 'diagnostic modus operandi' for several decades, but the emergence of several new technologies has begun to transform their application.

RECENT FINDINGS

The widespread availability of high-resolution chest computed tomography, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration, rapid on-site cytopathology and to a lesser degree, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography have facilitated more convenient diagnosis. They also have identified possibilities for biopsy-less diagnosis in appropriate clinical contexts, similar to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and allowed for more comprehensive assessment of the extent and activity of disease. Nonetheless, these new technologies cannot replace the central role of the clinician, whose judgment and circumspection are keys to accurate diagnosis.

SUMMARY

The diagnosis of sarcoidosis and the assessment of its extent should be tailored to the clinical situation. The application of new technologies may permit some evolution of the diagnostic approach in many patients.

The Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a diagnosis of exclusion; there exists neither a pathognomonic clinical feature nor a perfect diagnostic test. Missed diagnosis and overdiagnosis are common. A careful history and physical examination look for "footprints" of sarcoidosis or features suggesting alternative diagnoses. Some presentations are classic and do not require tissue confirmation. A tissue biopsy should be performed if doubt exists. Sampling intrathoracic disease by transbronchial or ultrasound-guided biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes provide high diagnostic yield with low complication rates. Even with tissue confirmation, diagnosis is never secure and follow-up is required to be fully confident of the diagnosis.

Targeting CD4(+) T cells for the treatment of sarcoidosis: a promising strategy?

Sarcoidois is an inflammatory disease of unknown origin characterized by the abnormal accumulation of noncaseating granulomas at sites of disease activity in multiple organs throughout the body with a predilection for the lungs. Because the exact trigger that leads to disease activity is still under investigation, current treatment options are contingent on the organ or organs affected. Corticosteroids are the therapy of choice, but antimalarials and TNF-α antagonists are also commonly prescribed. Recent findings provide evidence for the use of CD20 B-cell-depleting therapy as an alternative method of choice. However, because sarcoidosis is predominantly a T-helper cell-driven disorder, an overwhelming amount of compelling evidence exists for the use of CD4(+) T-cell targeted therapy.

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.

Historical transition of management of sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of undetermined etiology, and it primarily affects the lungs and lymphatic system but may involve other organs. Recently, there have been several new insights in Japanese patients. The frequency of cardiac, ocular, and cutaneous sarcoidosis has increased in Japan, whereas, the proportion of patients with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy decreased from 1960 to 2004. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) has been studied extensively as one of the causative microorganism for granuloma formation, particularly in Japan. P. acnes-specific monoclonal antibodies are useful for diagnosing sarcoidosis. The potential association between smoking and sarcoidosis has been evaluated in a Japanese study, which found a higher prevalence of sarcoidosis among young smokers than that in previous reports. Recently, ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography, which permits visualization of activated inflammation, and endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial needle aspiration have been increasingly used to diagnose sarcoidosis. Cardiac sarcoidosis is found to be the main cause of death in Japan. The 2006 revised Japanese guidelines for diagnosing cardiac sarcoidosis are useful, particularly for subclinical cardiac sarcoidosis patients. Further studies and international communication and evaluation are needed to determine the causes of sarcoidosis, identify the risk factors for progressive disease, and develop new and effective treatments.

Complications of decorative tattoos: recognition and management

Tattooing is an ancient practice that enjoys continued popularity. Although a modern, professionally performed tattoo is generally safe, complications can occur. A skin biopsy of all tattoo reactions is recommended as some tattoo reactions have systemic implications. Tattoo-related infections are seen days to decades after tattooing, and range from acute pyogenic infections to cutaneous tuberculosis. In particular, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections happen in tattoos with increasing frequency and are introduced at the time of tattooing through contaminated ink or water used to dilute inks. Despite a transition in tattoo pigments from metal salts to industrial azo dyes, hypersensitivity reactions also persist, and include eczematous, granulomatous, lichenoid, and pseudoepitheliomatous patterns (among others). Granulomatous tattoo reactions can be a clue to cutaneous or systemic sarcoidosis, particularly in the setting of interferon use. Pseudoepitheliomatous tattoo reactions have substantial overlap with squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma, making diagnosis and management difficult. Other malignancies and their benign mimics can occur in tattoos, raising questions about the safety of tattoo ink and its role in carcinogenesis.

Delayed diagnosis of sarcoidosis is common in Brazil

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the frequency of and the factors related to delayed diagnosis of sarcoidosis in Brazil.

METHODS:

We evaluated patients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of sarcoidosis, using a questionnaire that addressed the following: time since symptom onset and since the first medical visit; and the number and specialty of the physicians visited. We divided the patients by the timeliness of the diagnosis-timely (< 6 months) and delayed (≥ 6 months)-comparing the two groups in terms of systemic and pulmonary symptoms; extrathoracic involvement; spirometric data; radiological staging; level of education; income; and tuberculosis (diagnosis and treatment).

RESULTS:

We evaluated 100 patients. The median number of physicians consulted was 3 (range, 1-14). In 11 cases, sarcoidosis was diagnosed at the first visit. In 54, the first physician seen was a general practitioner. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was timely in 41 patients and delayed in 59. The groups did not differ in terms of gender; race; type of health insurance; level of education; income; respiratory/systemic symptoms; extrathoracic involvement; and radiological staging. In the delayed diagnosis group, FVC was lower (80.3 ± 20.4% vs. 90.5 ± 17.1%; p = 0.010), as was FEV₁ (77.3 ± 19.9% vs. 86.4 ± 19.5%; p = 0.024), misdiagnosis with and treatment for tuberculosis (≥ 3 months) also being more common (24% vs. 7%, p = 0.032, and 20% vs. 0%; p = 0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

The diagnosis of sarcoidosis is often delayed, even when the imaging is suggestive of sarcoidosis. Delayed diagnosis is associated with impaired lung function at the time of diagnosis. Many sarcoidosis patients are misdiagnosed with and treated for tuberculosis.

A practical approach to cutaneous sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that has the potential to affect multiple organs, including the skin. Its cutaneous manifestations are varied and can provide clues to underlying systemic manifestations. Unfortunately, they also can be disfiguring. Therapy is usually directed at the organ system most severely affected, which often may help cutaneous disease. However, cutaneous disease may be recalcitrant to treatment directed at extracutaneous disease, or it may be severe enough to require targeted therapy. This article focuses on the dermatologist's role in recognizing and diagnosing cutaneous sarcoidosis, evaluating patients for systemic disease involvement, and treating the skin manifestations of sarcoidosis.