Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Primary Sjogren's Syndrome Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma: Probing the Potential Common Pathogenic Mechanisms and Experimental Verification
10:21

Primary Sjogren's Syndrome Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma: Probing the Potential Common Pathogenic Mechanisms and Experimental Verification

Published on: September 20, 2024

Leucopenia as presentation of sarcoidosis

Lawrence Akinsanya1, Iftikhar Hussain, David Awoniyi

  • 1Consultant Medicine.

International Journal of Health Sciences
|April 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of sarcoidosis caused hypersplenism in a young Saudi male. Diagnosis was challenging due to non-specific symptoms, but granulomas and high angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels confirmed sarcoidosis.

Area of Science:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Pathology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Hypersplenism presents a diagnostic challenge, particularly when initial investigations are inconclusive.
  • Sarcoidosis, an inflammatory condition, is an uncommon but recognized cause of hypersplenism.

Observation:

  • A 20-year-old Saudi male presented with leucopenia and splenomegaly, progressing to pancytopenia.
  • Bone marrow examination was normal, complicating the diagnosis of hypersplenism.
  • Splenectomy revealed non-caseating granulomas on histopathology.

Findings:

  • Elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels were detected.
  • The histopathological findings and clinical presentation strongly suggested sarcoidosis.
  • Sarcoidosis was identified as the most probable cause of hypersplenism in this patient.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering sarcoidosis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained hypersplenism, even in regions where it is less commonly reported.
  • Early diagnosis and management of sarcoidosis can prevent complications associated with hypersplenism.
  • Further research into the prevalence and presentation of sarcoidosis in diverse geographical regions is warranted.

Keywords:
PancytopeniaSarcoidosisSplennomegaly

Related Concept Videos

Disorders of Leukocytes01:27

Disorders of Leukocytes

Leukocyte disorders can lead to either leukopenia, characterized by an abnormally low leukocyte count, or leukocytosis, marked by a very high leukocyte number.
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...
Leishmaniasis01:30

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
Primary Lymphoid Organs01:16

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
Secondary Lymphoid Organs01:15

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Secondary organs, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), work harmoniously to protect us from disease and infection.
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...