A Case of Sarcoidosis Misdiagnosed as Tuberculosis in the Early Phase

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Sarcoidosis is a multsystem granulomatous disorder of an unknown etiology. In the early phase, sarcoidosis is clinically similar to the tuberculosis. In the Korea, few case have been reported. We experienced a case of sarcoidosis that was diagnosed with an ocular examination and corresponded with a systemic investigation. We report a case of sarcoidosis. METHODS: The authors experienced a case of sarcoidosis in a 33-year-old female who was given an incorrect diagnosis of tuberculosis in the early phase. The ocular examination revealed an anterior chamber cell and flare, posterior synechia, periphlebitis, and discitis. A systemic investigation yielded an increase in ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) and an abnormal 67-Gallium-scintigraphy. RESULTS: The antituberculosis agents were stopped and the patient was started on systemic steroid, prednisolon 60mg once daily for 4weeks, which was slowly tapered off over subsequent 8 weeks. Good results were obtained.