Present status of sarcoidosis in west Greece

Sarcoidosis is being increasingly recognised in Greece. The clinical spectrum and the epidemiological data of 62 sarcoid patients of the West department of Greece are analysed for the first time. These patients have been studied over the last 10 years. Young females outnumbered males. The diagnosis was histologically confirmed in all the patients. Intrathoracic involvement was present in 98% of the patients (stage I 70%, stage II 20%, stage III 10% respectively). Skin lesions were present in 65%, lymphadenopathy 26%, uveitis 21%, joints 15%, and nervous system involvement 5%. Kveim test was positive in 60% of the patients, while 60% were tuberculin negative. Steroids were used in 50%. In the initial symptoms of the diagnostic period resolution occurred in 60% of them. For the period of follow-up the mortality was 3%.