An unusual case of childhood sarcoidosis: Un caso clínico infrecuente / Sarcoidosis infantil

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that may affect many systems, mainly lungs. Most of the patients present at stages I and II lung involvement. Pulmonary infltrates without hilar lymphadenopathy (state III) rarely occurs. Extrapulmonary organ involvement is common in pediatric sarcoidosis. The aim of this report is to present an unusual case of childhood sarcoidosis with stage III lung involvement without any extrapulmonary organ involvement. A 7-year-old girl presented with the complaints of malaise, fatigue, weight loss and dyspnea. There was patchy, bilateral ground glass view at high resolution computer tomography. Video assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy was performed and histopathological examination showed nonnecrotising epitheloid-cell granulomas with giant cells. She did not have any hilar or extrapulmonary organ involvement and pulmonary sarcoidosis at stage III was diagnosed. Sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with interstitial lung disease.

La sarcoidosis es una enfermedad granulomatosa sistémica de etiología desconocida que puede afectar varios órganos, principalmente el pulmón. La mayoría de los pacientes presentan estadios I y II de compromiso pulmonar. Los infltrados pulmonares, sin linfadenopatías hiliares (estadio III), son infrecuentes. El compromiso de órganos extrapulmonares es común en la sarcoidosis infantil. El objetivo es presentar un caso infrecuente de sarcoidosis infantil con compromiso pulmonar en estadio III sin afectación de los órganos extrapulmonares. Una niña de 7 años consultó por malestar general, fatiga, pérdida de peso y disnea. En la tomografía computarizada de alta resolución se observó un infltrado bilateral de tipo esmerilado. Se realizó una biopsia pulmonar por videotoracoscopia. La histopatología mostró granulomas no necrosantes de células epitelioides con células gigantes. No había compromiso hiliar ni de otros órganos, por lo que el diagnóstico fue de sarcoidosis en estadio III. La sarcoidosis debe considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial de los niños con enfermedad intersticial pulmonar.

An unusual case of childhood sarcoidosis: an unusual clinical case / An unusual case of childhood sarcoidosis: an unusual clinical case.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that may affect many systems, mainly lungs. Most of the patients present at stages I and II lung involvement. Pulmonary infltrates without hilar lymphadenopathy (state III) rarely occurs. Extrapulmonary organ involvement is common in pediatric sarcoidosis. The aim of this report is to present an unusual case of childhood sarcoidosis with stage III lung involvement without any extrapulmonary organ involvement. A 7-year-old girl presented with the complaints of malaise, fatigue, weight loss and dyspnea. There was patchy, bilateral ground glass view at high resolution computer tomography. Video assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy was performed and histopathological examination showed nonnecrotising epitheloid-cell granulomas with giant cells. She did not have any hilar or extrapulmonary organ involvement and pulmonary sarcoidosis at stage III was diagnosed. Sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with interstitial lung disease.

Sarcoidose pulmonar: uma atualização / Pulmonary sarcoidosis: an update

Na Medicina, como em muitas áreas da ocupação humana, o oculto tende a encantar. Talvez isso explique, em parte, o grande interesse em torno da sarcoidose, uma doença repleta de incógnitas e desafios ao seu entendimento. Esta revisão teve como objetivo apresentar os principais avanços no entendimento da imunopatogenia, diagnóstico e tratamento da sarcoidose pulmonar. Vários estudos têm enfatizado a importância do alelo DRB1*03 do antígeno leucocitário humano e da exposição ambiental na patogenia da doença. No tocante ao diagnóstico, o ultrassom endoscópico transesofágico, o ultrassom endobrônquico e a tomografia por emissão de pósitrons com 18F fluordesoxiglicose têm sido apresentados como exames promissores, inclusive na avaliação da resposta ao tratamento. Várias recomendações baseadas em evidências têm sugerido o uso de imunobiológicos nos casos de resistência aos corticosteroides, especialmente na sarcoidose refratária ao tratamento. O melhor entendimento da relação entre sarcoidose e exposição ambiental pode auxiliar na diferenciação dos vários fenótipos da doença. É possível que uma abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica distinta possa ser utilizada em um futuro próximo, com base nesses fenótipos.

Síndrome hemofagocítica devido a sarcoidose pulmonar / Hemophagocytic syndrome due to pulmonary sarcoidosis

Embora seja uma condição clínica rara, a síndrome hemofagocítica é associada com alta mortalidade e o número de casos descritos na literatura vem aumentando progressivamente. O diagnóstico de síndrome hemofagocítica depende da presença de hemofagocitose. A sarcoidose é uma doença de alta prevalência cujo curso e prognóstico podem correlacionar-se com a apresentação clínica inicial e a extensão da doença. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com sarcoidose de longa duração que apresentava febre intermitente e fadiga. O diagnóstico de síndrome hemofagocítica foi realizado por aspirado de medula óssea, e o tratamento específico foi ineficaz. Trata-se do terceiro caso de síndrome hemofagocítica relacionada a sarcoidose na literatura mundial e o primeiro na literatura latino-americana. Os três casos tiveram desfecho desfavorável.

Although hemophagocytic syndrome is a rare clinical condition, it is associated with high mortality and the number of cases described in the literature has progressively increased. The diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome is made on the basis of a finding of hemophagocytosis. Sarcoidosis is a highly prevalent disease whose course and prognosis might correlate with the initial clinical presentation and the extent of the disease. We report the case of a patient with long-standing sarcoidosis who presented with intermittent fever and fatigue. The diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome was made by bone marrow aspiration, and specific treatment was ineffective. This is the third case of sarcoidosis-related hemophagocytic syndrome reported in the literature and the first reported in Latin America. All three cases had unfavorable outcomes.

Sarcoidosis infantil: una rara enfermedad pediátrica: caso clínico / Childhood sarcoidosis: a rare pediatric disease: case report

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown etiology. It affects various organs, including skin, eyes, joints, liver, heart, spleen and lymph nodes. Lungs are the organs most affected by this disorder and while symptomatology may vary thoughout life, most likely it is never diagnosed. It appears to be endemic in countries like England, US and Japan. The incidence is low in Mexico and Latin America. There is a genetic predisposition, where histocompatibility has a significant role. Histopathological diagnosis requires the presence of non-caseificating granulomatous lesions, with epiteloid cells with cytoplasmatic inclusions called Schaumann cells; these are diagnostic. The most severe complication is pulmonary fibrosis, which responds to steroids. We present the case of a school age child who was diagnosed as suffering from sarcoidosis after an open lung biopsy. Treatment with systemic steroids was initiated and is currenty asymptomatic, under observation and without complications secondary to treatment.

La sarcoidosis es un padecimiento multisistémico, de etiología desconocida. Afecta diversos órganos, entre los que se encuentran la piel, ojos, articulaciones, hígado, corazón, bazo y ganglios linfáticos. Los pulmones son el órgano más afectado en esta enfermedad, y aunque la sintomatología puede variar en cada etapa de la vida, lo común es que pase desapercibida en la mayoría de los casos. En algunos países como Inglaterra, Estado Unidos y Japón es endémica, en México y Latinoamérica su incidencia es baja. Existe una predisposición genética en la cual el complejo mayor de histocompatibilidad (HLA) tiene un papel predominante. El diagnóstico histopatológico requiere de la presencia en los tejidos de lesiones granulomatosas no caseificantes, células epiteloides e inclusiones citoplasmáticas llamadas células de Schaumann. La complicación más severa es la fibrosis pulmonar, por lo que el tratamiento con esteroides es de suma importancia. Presentamos el caso de un escolar al que se le realizo el diagnóstico de sarcoidosis pulmonar por biopsia pulmonar a cielo abierto. Al cual se le inicio tratamiento con esteroide sistémico y actualmente se encuentra bajo vigilancia, asintomático y sin complicaciones secundarias al tratamiento.

Sarcoidose: o que interessa na prática médica? / Sarcoidosis: what matters in medical practice?

Os autores, baseados na vivência clínica em Pneumologia e em revisão bibliográfica, repassam os principais tópicos às dificuldades no diagnóstico de sarcoidose. Abordam critérios para o diagnóstico, resultantes da somação de vários fatores, dando ênfase ao quadro clínico compatível, confirmação histopatológica, teste de Kveim-Siltzbach positivo e resposta clínico-radiográfica eficaz à corticoterapia sistêmica. Ilustram o tema em pauta com apresentação de três casos, os quais se revelaram por demais exuberantes pelos seus elementos apresentados com os sintomas respiratórios dominando toda a cena

The authors, based on the clinical practice in Pneumology and in review of literature, revise the main topics of the difficulties in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. They approach criteria for the diagnosis, resultants of the addition of several factors, giving emphasis to the compatible clinical picture, histopathologic confirmation, positive Kveim-Siltzbach's test and clinical radiographic answer effective to the systemic corticotherapy. They illustrate the topic under discussion with presentation of three cases, which were revealed for too much exuberant for your elements presented with the breathing symptoms dominating the whole scene

Aspectos tomográficos e anatomopatológicos da sarcoidose pulmonar / Tomographic and pathological findings in pulmonary sarcoidosis

OBJETIVO: Analisar os aspectos radiológicos observados nas tomografias computadorizadas de alta resolução de pacientes com sarcoidose e fazer a correlação com os achados anatomopatológicos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram revistos os aspectos radiológicos observados nas tomografias computadorizadas de alta resolução de dez pacientes com sarcoidose e feita correlação com material obtido de biópsias cirúrgicas ou necrópsias de quatro desses pacientes. RESULTADOS: O aspecto mais frequentemente observado foi o de nódulos, com distribuição perilinfática, predominando ao longo das bainhas broncovasculares e da superfície pleural, com nódulos subpleurais e cissuras nodulares. Outros achados menos comuns foram as opacidades em vidro fosco e o espessamento de septos interlobulares. CONCLUSÃO: Em geral, todos esses achados corresponderam, anatomopatologicamente, ao acúmulo de granulomas nessas regiões.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze radiological findings observed at high-resolution computed tomography in patients with sarcoidosis, and establishing their correlation with pathological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-resolution computed tomography findings in ten patients with sarcoidosis were reviewed and correlated with findings in specimens obtained by surgical biopsy or at necropsy of four of such patients. RESULTS: The most frequently observed finding was presence of nodules with perilymphatic distribution, predominating along bronchovascular sheaths and pleural surface, with subpleural nodules and nodular scissurae. Other less frequent findings were ground-glass attenuation and interlobular septa thickening. CONCLUSION: In general, all the mentioned findings demonstrated anatomopathological correlation with development of granulomas in these regions.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia: possible common immune pathogenesis

A 49-year-old female presented with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and positive warm antibodies. She was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis. The patient was given prednisolone after which she had complete remission of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and stabilization of her pulmonary status. A review will follow on association of sarcoidosis with autoimmune disease and its possible role in the development of such phenomenon

Transbronchial needle aspiration "by the books"

Training for advanced bronchoscopic procedures is acquired during the interventional pulmonology [IP] Fellowship. Unfortunately a number of such programs are small, limiting dissemination of formal training. We studied success of conventional transbronchial needle aspiration [C-TBNA] in the hands of physicians without formal IP training. A technique of C-TBNA was learned solely form the literature, videos and practicing on inanimate models at "Hands-On" courses. Conventional TBNA with 21 and /or 19 gauge Smooth Shot Needles [Olympus [Registered Sign], Japan] was performed on consecutive patients with undiagnosed mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Thirty-four patients [male 23], mean age 54.9 +/- 11.8 years underwent C-TBNA. Twenty- two patients had nodes larger than 20 mms. Suspected diagnoses were malignancy in 20 and nonmalignant conditions in 14. Final diagnoses were malignancy 17, sarcoidosis 4, reactive lymph 12, and tuberculosis 1. Final diagnosis was established by C-TBNA in 14 [11 malignancy, 3 sarcoidosis; yield 41.1%], mediastinoscopy in 14, transthoracic needle aspiration in 3, peripheral lymph node biopsies in 2 and by endobronchial biopsy in 1. Nodal size had an impact on outcome [P=0.000] while location did not [P=0.33]. C-TBNA was positive in 11/20 when malignancy was suspected [yield 55%], while 3/14 when benign diagnosis was suspected [yield 21.4%] [P=0.05]. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy were 66.6%, 100%, 100%, 65% and 79.4%, respectively. There were no complications or scope damage. Conventional-TBNA can be learned by the books and by practicing on inanimate models without formal training and results similar to those published in the literature could be achieved

Sarcoidose: associação entre aspectos clínicos, radiológicos e funcionais: experiência do Pavilhão Pereira Filho (RS) / Sarcoidosis: clinical, radiological and functional association: the experience in the Pavilhão Pereira Filho, RS

Introdução: Sarcoidose é uma doença granulomatosa multissistêmica de causa desconhecida, caracterizada pela presença de granulomas de células epitelioides, não caseosos, com apresentação clínica variando de pacientes assintomáticos, até acometimento em múltiplos orgãos e sistemas, sendo o pulmão acometido em até 90% dos casos. O objetivo deste estudo foi através de uma série de casos de sarcoidose descrever a associação entre aspectos clínicos, radiológicos e de função pulmonar. Métodos: Estudo de 103 casos com sarcoidose, atendidos em centro de referência no sul do país, entre 1990 e 2003. Resultados: Não houve diferença de frequência entre homens e mulheres (42% e 58%, respectivamente). A média de idade foi de 41,8 ± 14,1 anos. Houve predomínio em caucasianos (84%). Dados clínicos: 86% eram sintomáticos; dentre eles, 77% tinham sintomas torácicos. Os mais prevalentes foram: tosse (48%), dispneia (41%) e dor torácica (18%). Manifestações extrapulmonares foram encontrados em 80% dos casos. Sintomas sistêmicos, como emagrecimento, febre e astenia, foram encontrados em 35%, 23% e 23%, respectivamente. A espirometria foi realizada em 83 (82%) pacientes, com resultados anormais em 45%. O tipo radiológico predominante foi II (49%), seguido do tipo I (32%), tipo III (18%) e tipo 0 (1%). Realizaram radiograma de tórax e espirometria 73 pacientes, evidenciando-se associação entre a presença de distúrbio ventilatório e os tipos radiológicos I, II, III (p = 0,036). Conclusão: Nesta série de casos houve associação entre diferentes tipos radiológicos (I, II, III) e a presença de alteração funcional pulmonar. Esses achados radiográficos e funcionais não foram significativamente relacionados com os sintomas clínicos

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown cause, characterized by the presence of noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas, with clinical presentation ranging from asymptomatic patients to involvement in multiple organs and systems, the lung being affected in up to 90% of cases. The aim of this study was to describe the association between clinical, radiological and pulmonary function aspects based on a series of sarcoidosis cases. Methods: A study of 103 cases of sarcoidosis, seen in a referral center in south Brazil between 1990 and 2003. Results: There was no difference in frequency between men and women (42% and 58%, respectively). Mean age was 41.8 ± 14.1 years. Caucasians predominated (84%). Clinical data: 86% were symptomatic, and among these, 77% had chest symptoms, the most prevalent of which were cough (48%), dyspnea (41%), and chest pain (18%). Extrapulmonary manifestations were found in 80% of cases. Systemic symptoms such as weight loss, fever, and asthenia were found in 35%, 23% and 23%, respectively. Spirometry was performed in 83 (82%) patients, with abnormal results in 45%. The predominant radiological type was II (49%), followed by type I (32%), type III (18%) and type 0 (1%). Spirometry and chest X-rays were performed in 73 patients, showing an association between the presence of respiratory disorder and radiological types I, II, and III (p = 0.036). Conclusion: In this series of cases there was an association between different radiological types (I, II, III) and presence of altered pulmonary function. These functional and radiographic findings were not significantly associated with clinical symptoms

Sarcoidosis: Presentación clínica y pronóstico / Sarcoidosis: Clinical presentation and prognosis

Se analizaron las características clínicas de 26 pacientes con cuadro clínico compatible y diagnóstico histopatológico de sarcoidosis, y se identificaron variables asociadas a mortalidad en el seguimiento. Se examinaron datos clínicos y de diversos estudios complementarios. El seguimiento se realizó mediante consulta médica y encuesta telefónica. La edad media fue 42.6 ± 12.7 años. El 53.8% eran mujeres. El 88.4% presentó afección pulmonar y el 30.7% tuvo manifestaciones extratorácicas. Predominó el estadio radiológico II (34.7%). La alteración espirométrica más frecuente fue la capacidad de difusión de monóxido de carbono (DLCO) < 80% del predicho (56.5%). Se constató hipertensión pulmonar en el 34.7%. Recibieron tratamiento corticoideo el 69.2% de los pacientes. El seguimiento se realizó en el 96.1% de los casos durante 98 ± 73 meses (rango: 3 a 228). Se constató una mortalidad del 23% (n = 6). Los factores asociados en forma significativa a mayor mortalidad fueron: gasometría arterial con menor presión parcial de oxígeno (41.5 mm Hg vs. 73.3 mm Hg; p = 0.041); mayor presión parcial de dióxido de carbono (59.5 mm Hg vs. 39.6 mm Hg; p = 0.0008); presencia de hipertensión pulmonar (83.3% vs. 16.6%; p = 0.001) y mayor presión pulmonar wedge (12.5 mm Hg vs. 9.5 mm Hg; p = 0.041). Hubo una tendencia a mayor mortalidad en pacientes con estadio radiológico III/IV (66% vs. 27%; p = 0.082) y menor DLCO (33.5% vs. 51.4%; p = 0.087). Las características clínicas y evolutivas encontradas en nuestra serie difirieron en algunos aspectos con las publicadas en la literatura internacional. Los factores asociados a mortalidad estuvieron relacionados a la gravedad de la enfermedad.

We analyzed clinical characteristics of 26 patients with suggesting clinical picture and histopatological diagnosis of sarcoidosis. We identified mortality-related variables in the follow-up. We examined clinical data and several complementary tests. Follow-up was performed by clinical consultation and telephonic interview. The patients mean age was 42.6 ± 12.7 years old, and 53.8% were female. Pulmonary affection was present in 88.4% of patients and extrapulmonary manifestation were seen in 30.7%. Radiological stage II was the most frequent (34.7%). The predominant spirometric abnormality was a low carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) in 56.5% of cases. Pulmonary hypertension was found in 34.7% of cases. Steroid therapy was performed in 69.2%. The follow-up was completed in 96.1% of patients with a mean of 98 ± 73 months (range 3 to 228). The mortality rate was 23% (n = 6). The factors significantly associated with mortality were: blood arterial gases with lower partial oxygen pressure (41.5 mm Hg vs. 73.3 mm Hg; p = 0.041); higher partial carbon dioxide pressure (59.5 mm Hg vs. 39.6 mm Hg; p = 0.0008); presence of pulmonary hypertension (83.3% vs. 16.6%; p = 0.001) and higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (12.5 mm Hg vs. 9.5 mm Hg; p = 0.041). There was a tendency to higher mortality in patients with radiological stage III/IV (66% vs. 27%; p = 0.082) and lower DLCO (33.5% vs. 51.4%; p = 0.087). Clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis in our serie differed from others publications in international literature. Mortality-related factors were associated with severity of disease.

Tratamiento de la sarcoidosis / Sarcoidosis treatment

OBJETIVOS: 1. Reconocer las indicaciones de tratamiento de la sarcoidosis pulmonar 2. Describir el manejo farmacológico de la sarcoidosis pulmonar. 3. Identificar las indicaciones de tratamiento para la sarcoidosis extra pulmonar 4. Describir medicamentos diferentes a los cortico esteroides disponibles para el manejo de la sarcoidosis. 5. Identificar el momento en que medicamentos diferentes a los esteroides, deben ser considerados para el manejo de la sarcoidosis.

Diagnostic yield of transbronchial needle aspiration in intrathoracic lymphadenopathy

Transbronchial needle aspiration [TBNA] is a safe and effective technique for the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic yield of TBNA in patients with benign and malignant lesions involving mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. TBNA procedures were performed using a flexible bronchoscope and a 22-gauge cytologic needle in 22 patients with mediastinal or hilar adenopathy identified on CT of the chest. Based on the clinical diagnosis or presence of endobronchial lesions, other procedures such as bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial biopsy, and transbronchial lung biopsy were performed Among 22 patients with a mean age of 50 +/- 18 years, 13 were males [59%] and 9 were females [41%]. Adequate lymph node samples were obtained in 16 patients [72.7%]. Among 9 patients with malignancy, TBNA provided diagnostic results in 5 patients [55.5%]. TBNA provided adequate specimen in 10 out of 13 patients with sarcoidosis, but in 2 patients [15.4%] diagnosis was made by TBNA. Overall, TBNA yield was 31.8%. There was no complication during TBNA procedures. TBNA is a minimally invasive technique for diagnosis of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy, especially in malignant diseases. The procedure also can be used as a diagnostic tool in patients with sarcoidosis, although the yield is low

Amiloidose ganglionar mediastinal em paciente com sarcoidose / Mediastinal lymph node amyloidosis in a patient with sarcoidosis

Paciente masculino, 27 anos, com sintomas respiratórios, linfonodomegalia cervical anterior bilateral e hepatomegalia. Os estudos de imagem evidenciaram linfonodomegalia hilar bilateral e infiltrado pulmonar. O paciente foi submetido a biópsias pulmonar e hepática, que evidenciaram presença de granulomas não caseosos. Também foi submetido à biópsia de linfonodo hilar, que revelou a presença de material amilóide. Os achados clínicos, radiológicos e histopatológicos foram compatíveis com sarcoidose e amiloidose ganglionar. A associação entre sarcoidose e amiloidose é raramente descrita.

A 27-year-old male patient presented with respiratory symptoms, bilateral enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes and enlarged liver. In the imaging studies, bilateral enlargement of the hilar nodes was observed, together with pulmonary infiltrate. The patient was submitted to lung and liver biopsies, which revealed noncaseating granulomas. The clinical, radiological and histopathological findings were consistent with sarcoidosis and lymph node amyloidosis. The combination of sarcoidosis and amyloidosis has rarely been reported.

Granulomatosis sarcoidea necrosante con compromiso sistémico / Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis with systemic involvement

A 70-year-old mapuche female presented with a 1 year history of weight loss, bilateral red painful eyes and corneal ulcer that evolved into perforation and uveal herniation with complete visual loss. Reddish and painful nodules appeared on the distal aspect of both lower extremities, that ulcerated after months. A thoracic CT scan showed multiple pulmonary nodules. Infectious diseases were ruled out. An open lung biopsy and a skin biopsy were performed and both showed non-caseating necrotizing granulomas and granulomatous arteritis. Steroids and cyclophosphamide were started with complete regression of skin and pulmonary lesions within a month. Corneal transplantation was done. After 6 months follow-up, the patient is on low-dose of steroids, free of disease with partial vision recovery.

Mujer mapuche de 70 años quien en el curso de 1 año presentó baja de peso, ojo rojo bilateral y úlcera corneal que evolucionó hacia la perforación con herniación uveal y pérdida de la visión. Posteriormente se agregaron lesiones nodulares, violáceas, sensibles, algunas ulceradas en las zonas distales de ambas extremidades inferiores. La TAC de tórax demostró múltiples nódulos pulmonares. Tras un estudio exhaustivo se descartaron la tuberculosis y otras infecciones. Tanto la biopsia de las lesiones cutáneas como la biopsia pulmonar obtenida mediante toracotomía confirmaron la presencia de granulomas necrotizantes no caseificantes y arteritis granulomatosa. Se trató con esteroides y ciclofosfamida con mejoría de su condición general y regresión de las lesiones cutáneas y pulmonares en menos de 1 mes. Se realizó un trasplante de cornea. A los seis meses de seguimiento continúa en tratamiento, no ha presentado recaídas y tiene recuperación parcial de la visión.

A tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução na sarcoidose pulmonar / The high resolution computed tomography in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Introdução: a tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução (TCAR) representa atualmente a principal técnica diagnóstica na avaliação da sarcoidose pulmonar. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever os achados tomográficos e compará-los com os da radiografia de tórax. Metodologia: foram estudados 32 pacientes não tabagistas portadores de sarcoidose pulmonar por meio da radiografia de tórax e TCAR. As radiografias foram classificadas em tipos 0, 1, 2, 3 ou 4. Os seguintes achados tomográficos foram avaliados: espessamento peribroncovascular, espessamento dos septos interlobulares, nódulos, micronódulos, opacidades em vidro-fosco, consolidação, faveolamento, bronquiectasias de tração e distorção estrutural. Resultados: na TCAR, os locais predominantes de lesões pulmonares foram as zonas média (68,8%) e superior (65,6%) e espessamento peribroncovascular (56,2%). Alterações pulmonares foram notadas pela TCAR em nove casos em que o parênquima aparecia normal nas radiografias. Sinais de fibrose pulmonar foram detectados pela TCAR em dois casos em que esses achados não eram visíveis nas radiografias de tórax. Conclusão: a TCAR foi significativamente mais sensível que a radiografia convencional na avaliação dos pacientes com sarcoidose pulmonar.