Instructive Cases of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Abstract

The respiratory system is the organ system most commonly affected by sarcoidosis. The most common finding is mediastinal and/or hilar lymphadenopathy, however involvement of the upper and lower airways, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature are also seen with varying frequencies. This chapter utilizes a case-based format in order to highlight different presentations of pulmonary sarcoidosis with which clinicians should be familiar. The accompanying discussions are designed to review the existing literature regarding each presentation as well as provide a historical view of pulmonary sarcoidosis for the practicing clinician. While there are many different presentations of pulmonary sarcoidosis that could have been discussed here, these cases were selected specifically for their instructive potential and not because of their frequency. Our hope is that these cases will enhance clinicians' understanding of different pulmonary sarcoidosis presentations as well as improve their comfort level with the management of this disease.