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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
[A case of acute sarcoidosis]
E Achermann1, R Bingisser, M Krause
1Departement für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsspital Zürich.
Praxis
|May 7, 1996
Summary
Sarcoidosis can affect the upper airways in 1-6% of patients, causing symptoms like cough and hoarseness. This case highlights rapid recovery with steroid therapy for acute upper respiratory tract sarcoidosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Otolaryngology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas.
- Upper respiratory tract (URT) involvement in sarcoidosis is uncommon, affecting 1-6% of patients.
- Common symptoms include dry cough, hoarseness, dyspnea, and dysphagia, often leading to diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old woman presented with erythema nodosum, arthralgias, and symptoms suggestive of URT involvement.
- Granulomatous lesions were observed in the trachea, larynx, and bronchi.
- Biopsies of these lesions were nondiagnostic, complicating the initial diagnosis.
Findings:
- Despite nondiagnostic biopsies, acute sarcoidosis of the URT was diagnosed based on clinical presentation and characteristic symptoms.
- The patient received steroid therapy, leading to rapid clinical improvement.
- Resolution of respiratory symptoms and disappearance of lesions were observed following treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering sarcoidosis in the differential diagnosis of URT granulomatous diseases, even with inconclusive biopsies.
- Early diagnosis and prompt steroid treatment can lead to favorable outcomes in acute upper respiratory tract sarcoidosis.
- Further research into the specific features and diagnostic criteria for URT sarcoidosis is warranted.
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