[Gastric sarcoidosis]

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease of unknown etiology characterized by formation of non-caseificating epithelioid cell granulomas in affected organs. The clinically manifest involvement of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in the pathological process is documented in less than 1% of the patients, with stomach being involved in 10% ofthe cases. Pancreatic sarcoidosis is a very rare occurrence. Gastric sarcoidosis (GS) is usually an isolated disease but may be just as well a component of a generalized process. Isolated GS is as a rule a latent condition, its clinical symptoms (epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting) develop in association with erosion and ulceration of gastric mucosa. An endoscopic study of upper GIT may reveal narrowing of the distal half of the stomach with pre-pyloric ulcers or erosion and atrophy; thickened gastric folds may show up diffuse manifestations in the form of a "cobblestone pavement". The leading role in GS diagnostics is played by a histological study of gastric biopsies demonstrating classical sarcoid non-caseificating epithelioid cell granulomas. Treatment of GS must include intake of glucocorticoids and proton pump inhibitors.