Two asymptomatic cases with sarcoidosis demonstrated sequential evolution from radiographic stage I to III within five years.

Abstract

There are no guidelines regarding the treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Generally, oral corticosteroids are considered the first-line treatment for symptomatic patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. We report here two Japanese cases with pulmonary sarcoidosis who demonstrated sequential evolution from radiographic stage I to III within five years. Although these two cases had no symptoms, persistent, progressive pulmonary involvements were observed on chest X-ray. Considering the effectiveness of corticosteroids on patients with radiographic type II or III sarcoidosis reported by the British Thoracic Society, corticosteroid therapy might be a choice even in asymptomatic cases, if they demonstrate developing pulmonary involvement.

• Authors: S Ishioka, A Maeda, K Hiyama, Y Jougasaki, M Yamakido
• Journal: Hiroshima journal of medical sciences (Hiroshima J Med Sci) Vol. 48 Issue 3 Pg. 101-3 (Sep 1999) ISSN: 0018-2052 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 10598414 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Lung Diseases (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy, etiology)
• Male
• Prognosis
• Radiography
• Sarcoidosis (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy, etiology)
• Time Factors