Sarcoidosis in Tuscany. A preliminary report

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Rheumatology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown etiology.
• Understanding sarcoidosis demographics and clinical presentation is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis patients diagnosed in Pisa between 1977 and 1990.
• To identify patterns in disease onset, symptoms, and patient demographics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study utilizing a computerized questionnaire.
• Inclusion of 109 sarcoidosis patients (43 men, 66 women) diagnosed within the specified period.
• Data collection on demographics, smoking history, symptom onset, presenting symptoms, and residential area.

Main Results:

• Disease onset was earlier in men compared to women.
• Two incidence peaks observed, with symptoms first noticed between February and July.
• Common presenting symptoms included joint symptoms (35%), erythema nodosum (34%), cough (28%), and dyspnea (27%).
• Respiratory symptoms were present in 61% of patients.
• A significant proportion of patients (50%) had only primary education, and many resided in rural areas (58%).

Conclusions:

• Sarcoidosis exhibits distinct demographic and clinical features, including earlier onset in men and seasonal variations.
• Non-respiratory symptoms are frequent initial presentations, highlighting the need for a broad differential diagnosis.
• Socioeconomic factors such as education level and rural residency may be associated with sarcoidosis presentation.