Scalene node biopsy in sarcoidosis.

Scalene node biopsy was performed by a trained surgeon in 39 patients with established sarcoidosis. The diagnostic yield in this group was compared wtih the results in 43 patients with established sarcoidosis who had been subjected to routine scalene node biopsies at the same clinic. Sarcoid tissue was found in 82% of the patients operated on by the trained surgeon compared with 47% in the other group. It is concluded that, in the hand of a trained surgeon with a good operating technique. scalene node biopsy is a good alternative for obtaining tissue from sarcoidosis patients for histopathological examination.