The Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a diagnosis of exclusion; there exists neither a pathognomonic clinical feature nor a perfect diagnostic test. Missed diagnosis and overdiagnosis are common. A careful history and physical examination look for "footprints" of sarcoidosis or features suggesting alternative diagnoses. Some presentations are classic and do not require tissue confirmation. A tissue biopsy should be performed if doubt exists. Sampling intrathoracic disease by transbronchial or ultrasound-guided biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes provide high diagnostic yield with low complication rates. Even with tissue confirmation, diagnosis is never secure and follow-up is required to be fully confident of the diagnosis.
Publication Title
Clinics in Chest Medicine
Recommended Citation
Govender, P., & Berman, J. (2015). The Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis. Clinics in Chest Medicine, 36 (4), 585-602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccm.2015.08.003
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