Cystic lung in sarcoidosis: Clinico-radiologic characteristic and evolution

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease.
• Atypical thoracic computed tomography (CT) findings can occur in sarcoidosis.
• Pulmonary cysts are a rare manifestation of lung sarcoidosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical and radiological features of patients with cystic sarcoidosis.
• To describe the progression of cystic lung lesions in sarcoidosis.
• To evaluate the impact of cystic lesions on sarcoidosis prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, bicentric study design.
• Inclusion of patients with sarcoidosis and cystic lung lesions on chest CT.
• Collection of clinical data, pulmonary function tests, and CT imaging for cyst assessment at diagnosis and follow-up.

Main Results:

• Twelve patients with cystic sarcoidosis were identified (1.9% prevalence).
• Patients presented multiple bilateral cysts, often with nodules and fibrotic lesions.
• Long-term follow-up showed cyst progression in some patients, but no significant impact on overall prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Cystic lung lesions are an uncommon finding in sarcoidosis.
• The presence and progression of cysts do not appear to negatively influence the long-term prognosis of sarcoidosis.