HEPATIC SARCOIDOSIS

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease of unknown origin characterized by the formation of non caseating granulomas. Thoracic involvement is the most common presentation; however, sarcoidosis can involve almost any other organ. Liver is one of the most frequently affected organs after lungs and lymph nodes. Microscopic hepatic involvement is common in these patients but is mostly clinically silent. specific symptoms include jaundice and pruritus, mostly from chronic cholestasis. In a significant portion of these patients, macroscopic findings can be detected by ultrasound examination ,abdominal CT or magnetic resonance imaging and these findings may easily be confused with other benign and malignant conditions of the liver. Liver biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. Not all cases of hepatic sarcoidosis require treatment. For symptomatic patients, the first line treatment includes corticosteroids or ursodeoxycholic acid.