[Step section of the TBLB specimens in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis]

The authors analyzed a total of 132 cases clinically diagnosed as sarcoidosis from 1979 to 1990. Routine TBLB sections revealed sarcoid granulomas in 57 cases (Stage 0; 5%, Stage 1; 40%, Stage 2; 57%). In 75 cases in whom routine sections did not show granuloma, we prepared additional sections from paraffin-embedded blocks as step sections. When examined with step sections in addition to routine specimens, the detection rate of sarcoid granuloma increased to 47% in Stage 1 and 82% in Stage 2. We concluded that making step sections of TBLB specimens is a useful diagnostic method in cases suspected of sarcoidosis, especially in Stage 2 cases.