[Sarcoidosis in Tunisia: epidemiologic and clinical study]

The epidemiologic study of sarcoidosis is problematic and differing incidences across the world are reported. In Tunisia, the incidence of this affection is yet unknown. This is at least attributable to the lack of large series and the overshadowing presence of tuberculosis.

To determine presenting signs, symptoms and investigations particularities.

We report a retrospective series patients with sarcoidosis followed up in the Rabta university hospital between 1991 and 2005 and try to determine presenting signs, symptoms and investigations particularities.

131 patients (79 women and 52 men) with a median age of 47 ± 14 years were reviewed. They were symptomatic in 95 % of cases. Cutaneous symptoms were present at onset in 56.8 %, respiratory symptoms in 48.6 % and general symptoms in 41.6 %. Thoracic presentation was observed in 81.3%. Chest X-ray changes and tomodensitometry showed that type II and III were predominant. Lung function was disturbed in 58.5% of the cases. Extrathoracic involvement, observed in 89.3 % of the cases, was largely dominated by cutaneous lesions. Histopathological lesions provided diagnosis in 66.6%.

The relative high frequency of dermatological lesions suggests genetic or even environmental predisposition to develop sarcoidosis such as sunlight exposition.