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Published on: June 16, 2020
Clinical characterization of sarcoidosis in Ethiopia
Ermias Diro1, Asfaw Atnafu, Muluberhan Aleme
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar. ermi_diro@yahoo.com
Background:
Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous multisystem disease. Its manifestations overlaps with more prevalent diseases like tuberculosis, hence, it is usually overlooked.
Objective:
The objective of the study was to characterize the clinical, biochemical and radiologic pattern of patients with sarcoidosis in Ethiopia.
Methodology:
A hospital based descriptive case series study on 34 sarcoidosis patients was done from 2003-2008. The diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical, histological and radiological evidences after ruling out other possibilities.
Results:
The majority, 82%, presented with respiratory symptoms. The common symptoms were cough 28 (82.4%), shortness of breathing 24 (70.6%) and wheezing 15 (47.1%). Next to the respiratory system, the skin 6 (17.6%), the extra thoracic lymph nodes 4 (11.7%) and small bones 3 (8.8%) of the patients were involved. Most of the patients were mistakenly diagnosed and received treatment for other diseases importantly tuberculosis.
Conclusion:
Manifestations of Sarcoidosis mimic more prevalent diseases like tuberculosis and should be considered as a differential diagnosis. This will help in avoiding unnecessary and potentially harmful empirical treatments.
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