Sarcoidosis of the upper respiratory tract (SURT)

A series of eight hundred and eighteen patients with histologically-confirmed multisystem sarcoidosis was analysed; within this series were 53 (6 per cent) patients with sarcoidosis of the upper respiratory tract (SURT). Two-thirds presented with predominantly upper respiratory tract symptoms when the systemic disorder was minimal or unrecognized. Women were affected twice as often as men. SURT is commonly associated with lupus pernio and other manifestations of chronic fibrotic sarcoidosis, and it follows the same indolent course. When granulomas are found on biopsy of the upper respiratory tract, there should be a management plan to determine whether they are due to multisystem sarcoidosis or other granulomatous disorders including tuberculosis, Wegener's granulomatosis and leprosy. About one-half of patients with SURT will need oral steroids, either alone or in combination with topical steroids or chloroquine.