Sarcoidosis with large nodular lesions simulating pulmonary metastases. An analysis of 126 cases of intrathoracic sarcoidosis.

Multiple, large metastasis-like, nodular lesions (LNL) are a rare manifestation of acute/subacute pulmonary sarcoidosis. It has previously only been described in American series and all patients but one have been Negroes. In order to estimate the frequency of LNL in a Danish series, 126 consecutive patients with intrathoracic sarcoidosis were examined with regular follow-up for 1/2-5 1/2 years. LNL simulating pulmonary metastases was found in two cases, a frequency corresponding to the American figures. In both cases pulmonary infiltrations disappeared with 3/4 and 1 1/4 years, respectively. In one case a normal chest roentgenogram was obtained 6 weeks before the onset of LNL. The importance of biopsy is emphasized. Sarcoidosis with LNL appears to have a favourable prognosis in many cases.