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Sarcoidosis: abdominal manifestations at CT
A R Britt1, I R Francis, G M Glazer
1Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor 48109-0030.
Radiology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) findings for abdominal sarcoidosis show overlapping features with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). While nodal distribution and appearance differ, CT alone has limitations in distinguishing between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Abdominal manifestations of sarcoidosis on computed tomography (CT) are not well-documented.
- Distinguishing sarcoidosis from non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) based on CT findings is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare abdominal and pelvic lymphadenopathy patterns in sarcoidosis versus NHL on CT.
- To evaluate the reliability of CT features in differentiating these two conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of abdominal and pelvic CT scans from 16 patients with sarcoidosis and 20 patients with NHL.
- Analysis of nodal distribution, size, and morphology, as well as organomegaly and lesions.
Main Results:
- Lymphadenopathy was common in sarcoidosis, but retrocrural and pelvic adenopathy were less frequent than in NHL.
- Mean nodal size was larger in NHL, with confluent nodes typical of NHL and discrete nodes in sarcoidosis.
- Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were observed in sarcoidosis patients; CT detected only a subset of hepatic and splenic lesions.
Conclusions:
- Overlapping features in nodal appearance and distribution limit the definitive characterization of sarcoidosis versus NHL using CT alone.
- Further investigation may be needed to improve diagnostic accuracy.