Clinical characterization of sarcoidosis in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous multisystem disease. Its manifestations overlaps with more prevalent diseases like tuberculosis, hence, it is usually overlooked.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to characterize the clinical, biochemical and radiologic pattern of patients with sarcoidosis in Ethiopia.

METHODOLOGY

A hospital based descriptive case series study on 34 sarcoidosis patients was done from 2003-2008. The diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical, histological and radiological evidences after ruling out other possibilities.

RESULTS

The majority, 82%, presented with respiratory symptoms. The common symptoms were cough 28 (82.4%), shortness of breathing 24 (70.6%) and wheezing 15 (47.1%). Next to the respiratory system, the skin 6 (17.6%), the extra thoracic lymph nodes 4 (11.7%) and small bones 3 (8.8%) of the patients were involved. Most of the patients were mistakenly diagnosed and received treatment for other diseases importantly tuberculosis.

CONCLUSION

Manifestations of Sarcoidosis mimic more prevalent diseases like tuberculosis and should be considered as a differential diagnosis. This will help in avoiding unnecessary and potentially harmful empirical treatments.