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Pulmonary sarcoidosis with a diffuse ground glass pattern on the chest radiograph
A Tazi1, T Desfemmes-Baleyte, P Soler
1Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France.
Thorax
|August 1, 1994
Summary
A rare diffuse ground glass pattern on chest X-rays in pulmonary sarcoidosis is linked to active disease in white, often smoking, patients. This finding suggests a need for long-term corticosteroid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Diffuse ground glass pattern is an exceptionally rare finding in pulmonary sarcoidosis.
- Pulmonary sarcoidosis diagnosis relies on characteristic radiographic and clinical findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of diffuse ground glass pattern in pulmonary sarcoidosis.
- To assess the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with this pattern.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of chest radiographs from over 1600 sarcoidosis patients (1976-1991).
- Analysis of clinical data, physiological abnormalities, and treatment responses.
Main Results:
- 0.6% of patients (10/1600+) exhibited diffuse ground glass pattern, predominantly in white male smokers.
- These patients presented with active disease, significant physiological abnormalities, and responded to corticosteroids.
- High recurrence rates were observed upon steroid tapering or discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- Diffuse ground glass pattern in sarcoidosis is uncommon but suggests active, recent-onset disease.
- White subjects and smokers may be more prone to this radiographic finding.
- Long-term corticosteroid therapy is often required for managing this presentation of pulmonary sarcoidosis.