Learning objectives
Learning objectives
To review the role of imaging in patients with Hepatic Sarcoidosis
To assess the importance of imaging in differential diagnosis of Hepatic Sarcoidosis
To revise the main radiological findings in complications of Hepatic Sarcoidosis
Background
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of non-caseating granulomas that may develop in various organs.
Sarcoidosis affects both sex of all ages (more frequently women of 20 to 40 years of age) with a worldwide prevalence of 0,2 - 64 cases for 100.000 people.
Prevalence varies among different races and geographic areas,
with higher rates in African-Americans and Northern Europeans.
Etiology is still unclear,
but several studies demonstrated that Sarcoidosis might be the result of an exaggerated immune response to environmental...
Findings and procedure details
The diagnosis of HS is challenging,
due to the lack of specific clinical signs,
laboratory data and because radiological findings are often not pathognomonic.
Hepatic granulomas may be present in a wide spectrum of diseases (Fig.
5) and imaging plays a pivotal role for the differential diagnosis.
However,
confirmation of liver involvement is based on histopathology.
IMAGING EVALUATION OF HEPATIC SARCOIDOSIS
The grosser abnormalities in HS may be appreciated with ultrasound (US) imaging.
However,
both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) are more sensitive...
Conclusion
Imaging is very helpful in suggesting liver involvement and severe complications in HS.
Although liver biopsy remains essential to ascertain the diagnosis of HS,
a radiological evaluation could help in the differential diagnosis and,
more importantly,
to rule out malignancy.
References
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Abdominal sarcoidosis: cross-sectional imaging findings.
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Uma S.
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Parambir S.
Dulai,
MD and Richard I.
Rothstein MD.
Disseminated Sarcoidosis Presenting as Granulomatous Gastritis.
A Clinical Review of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Manifestations of Sarcoidosis.
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Chinedu Ivonye MD FACP,
Balsam Elhammali MD,
Marshaleen...