Pulmonary sarcoidosis in Singapore

Eight cases of pulmonary sarcoidosis with a mean age of 27.8 years were seen in our Department since May 1974. There were 5 males and 3 females and 5 of our patients were Chinese. 75% of cases were symptomatic at initial presentation. Extra pulmonary manifestation was seen in only one patient who had a right facial palsy. Hilar adenopathy was the principal radiological finding. (Bilateral hilar adenopathy was present in 6 and unilateral hilar adenopathy was seen in 1 patient) 50% of our patients had x-ray evidence of pulmonary parenchymal involvement and received steroid therapy. Though sarcoidosis is rare among Asians especially among Chinese, we feel an increase in prevalence can be expected in future.