pulmonary disorders
Sarcoidosis
Symptoms and Signs of Sarcoidosis
Symptoms and signs depend on the site and degree of involvement and vary over time, ranging from spontaneous remission to chronic indolent illness. Accordingly, frequent reassessment for new symptoms and involvement in different organs is needed. Most cases are probably asymptomatic and thus go undetected. Pulmonary disease occurs in>90% of adult patients. Symptoms and signs may include dyspnea, cough, chest discomfort, and crackles. Fatigue, malaise, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, and low-grade fever are also common. Sarcoidosis can manifest as Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) . Systemic involvement causes various symptoms (see table This image shows dacryocystitis manifesting as inflammation of the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal glands in both upper eyelids in a patient with sarcoidosis. © Springer Science+Business Media This photo shows erythematous facial plaques in a patient with sarcoidosis. © Springer Science+Business Media Erythema nodosum is a form of panniculitis characterized by palpable, tender, red or violet subcutaneous nodules most typically appearing on the shins. It most often accompanies systemic diseases, including streptococcal infection, sarcoidosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Photo provided by Thomas Habif, MD. This photo shows violaceous plaques on the nose of a patient with sarcoidosis. © Springer Science+Business Media This image shows skin nodules in a patient with sarcoidosis. Image courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD. This image shows multiple papules on the lips of a patient with sarcoidosis. Image courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD. Hypopigmented areas and subcutaneous nodules in a patient with sarcoidosis. Image courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD. Children with sarcoidosis may present with Blau syndrome (arthritis, rash, Overview of Uveitis ), or manifestations similar to those of adults. Sarcoidosis may be confused with 