Head and neck manifestations of sarcoidosis

The records of 42 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven head and neck sarcoidosis were reviewed. A female preponderance of 7.4 to 1 was found. The average age at onset for women was higher than that for men (42 vs. 24 years). The presenting signs and symptoms were noted, and correlations between these and the incidence of abnormal chest radiograph and laboratory findings were examined. Pulmonary involvement was most common in patients with periorbital manifestations or cervical lymphadenopathy. The evaluation of patients with suspected sarcoidosis should include history and physical examination, chest radiograph, PPD and skin tests to rule out anergy, serum chemistry profile, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and angiotensin converting enzyme level. The diagnosis is confirmed by appropriate histologic examination. Corticosteroid treatment is indicated for patients with uveitis, restrictive pulmonary disease, or other serious systemic manifestations.