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Sarcoidosis presenting as granulomatous colitis
J A Dumot1, K Adal, R E Petras
1The Department of Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|October 15, 1998
Summary
Sarcoidosis can mimic Crohn's disease in the colon. This case highlights how serum angiotensin converting enzyme levels can help distinguish between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Granulomatous colitis mimicking Crohn's disease is uncommon.
- Differentiating gastrointestinal sarcoidosis from Crohn's disease presents diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old woman presented with a Crohn's-like illness responsive to 5-ASA therapy.
- Following remission, she developed systemic symptoms including fever, adenopathy, muscle weakness, and peripheral neuropathy.
Findings:
- Extensive investigations ruled out infectious and rheumatological causes.
- A diagnosis of sarcoidosis was established based on the clinical presentation and diagnostic workup.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering sarcoidosis in patients with unexplained systemic symptoms following gastrointestinal complaints.
- Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels are a valuable biomarker for differentiating sarcoidosis from Crohn's disease.