[Severe thrombocytopenia in systemic Boeck's disease].

We present a case of sarcoidosis-associated severe thrombocytopenia, a rare but well known complication. Diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on radiologically enlarged hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes and on histology of biopsies taken from them by mediastinoscopy. In most cases an autoimmune etiology is assumed and platelet-associated antibodies can be demonstrated. Therapy resembles that of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia; an early start, sufficient duration and slow reduction of the corticosteroid medication is crucial. If bleeding complications occur, high-dose human gamma-globulins are indicated. In the light of the literature the pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this potentially lethal complication are discussed.