Manifestations and treatment of laryngeal sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis involving the larynx presents with hoarseness, cough, dysphagia, and dyspnea secondary to upper airway obstruction. it may occur in patients with previously diagnosed sarcoidosis, or it may be the first or the only manifestation of the disease. Laryngoscopy reveals mucosal alterations including erythema and edema, punctate nodules, and mass lesions. The epiglottis is the most frequently affected area, but any portion of the larynx may be involved. The diagnosis is established by demonstrating granulomatous inflammation on laryngeal biopsy and excluding other causes of granulomatous laryngitis. Systemic corticosteroid therapy is the treatment of choice in most cases, but local steroid injection or surgical excision of affected areas may be useful in selected patients. Symptomatic laryngeal sarcoidosis can be managed successfully, but if it is left untreated, life-threatening upper airway obstruction may occur.