ABSTRACT
Sarcoidosis, a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology,
may resolve spontaneously or progress to fibrosis (1). Lung parenchymal
or intrathoracic lymph node involvement is found in 90% of patients, and lung disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality (2). Traditionally, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis has been based upon compatible
clinical and radiological findings, the presence of noncaseating granulomas
in more than one organ, and, when appropriate, negative bacterial or fungal
cultures. However, histological evidence of sarcoidosis is occasionally elu-
sive. Moreover, noncaseating lung granulomas are found in a variety of con-
ditions (3) (Table 1); therefore, radiological findings may play a crucial
diagnostic role.
