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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Summary
Large lung bullae are a rare complication of pulmonary sarcoidosis. This condition, characterized by air-filled sacs in the lungs, can occur alongside other sarcoidosis symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Internal Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease.
- Large lung bullae are an uncommon but recognized complication of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
- Understanding the presentation and course of bullous sarcoidosis is important for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation, course, and outcome of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis complicated by large lung bullae.
- To highlight the rarity and potential manifestations of this specific sarcoidosis complication.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis.
- Review of clinical records, imaging (chest X-ray, CT scans), and laboratory data of three patients.
- Correlation of bullae development with sarcoidosis diagnosis and clinical course.
Main Results:
- Three patients with large lung bullae as a manifestation of pulmonary sarcoidosis were identified.
- All patients presented with pulmonary infiltrates; two had bilateral hilar adenopathy.
- Hypercalcemia developed in all three patients during their illness.
- Bullae developed within four years of sarcoidosis diagnosis.
- In one case, an infected bulla showed significant resolution after treatment.
Conclusions:
- Large lung bullae represent a rare but distinct manifestation of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
- The presence of pulmonary infiltrates and hypercalcemia may be associated findings.
- The temporal relationship between sarcoidosis diagnosis and bullae formation is noted.
- Bullous lesions in sarcoidosis may be dynamic and potentially responsive to interventions, even after infection.
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