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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
[Pulmonary necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis in a patient with primary biliary cirrhosis]
D Frechen1, C Cornelissen, K Schreiner
1Medizinische Klinik I, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Aachen. dfrechen@ukaachen.de
History And Admission Findings:
A 53-year-old woman presented with recurrent episodes of cough and non-specific pulmonary symptoms. For many years she had been known to have primary biliary cirrhosis.
Investigations:
The chest X-ray showed multiple pulmonary nodules. Microbiological examination did not detect any pathogen and transbronchial biopsy of the pulmonary nodules failed to provide a diagnosis. Histology of a surgical lung biopsy showed interstitial inflammation, vasculitis and non-caseating granulomas.
Treatment And Course:
The findings indicated necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis. During oral corticoid therapy the pulmonary nodules regressed within a few weeks. The patient has remained free of pulmonary symptoms.
Conclusion:
Pulmonary necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis is a rare condition to consider in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. Because of the histological findings and its benign course it resembles sarcoidosis.
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