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Sarcoidosis presenting with posterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy
Postgraduate Medicine
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Posterior mediastinal density is an uncommon sign of sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease). Early diagnosis and corticosteroid treatment led to symptom resolution and radiographic improvement in a young patient.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown etiology.
- It commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes, but can manifest in various organs.
- Posterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy is a rare presentation of sarcoidosis.
Observation:
- A young male presented with exertional dyspnea, maculopapular skin lesions, and generalized lymphadenopathy.
- Chest roentgenogram revealed a posterior mediastinal density.
- Biopsies of lymph nodes and skin confirmed sarcoidosis.
Findings:
- Corticosteroid therapy was initiated for the diagnosed sarcoidosis.
- After six months of treatment, the patient achieved complete symptom resolution.
- The posterior mediastinal density observed on the chest roentgenogram had completely resolved.
Implications:
- This case highlights that posterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy, though infrequent, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posterior mediastinal masses.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of sarcoidosis can lead to favorable outcomes.
- Illustrates the diverse radiographic manifestations of sarcoidosis.