Peritoneal and pleural sarcoidosis: an unusual association - review and clinical report

To examine recent reports of serosal involvement in sarcoidosis.

Peritoneal sarcoidosis continues to be a rare manifestation of the disease. Patients with peritoneal disease tend to be women between the ages of 20 and 40 years, and most commonly present with ascites and abdominal pain. Peritoneal involvement is not isolated, and sarcoid granulomas are often found elsewhere. Pleural disease is often manifested as pleural effusions. Patients with pleural disease are often older and usually have lymphocytic exudative effusions.

Sarcoidosis should be in the differential in a young patient presenting with unexplained effusions and ascites.