CT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis

A retrospective review was performed on CT findings in 36 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis proven by histology. Pulmonary lesions were detected in 22 patients (61.1%). Frequent CT findings were peribronchial markings (72.7%), diffuse small nodules (63.6%), large irregular nodules (36.4%), and lymphangitis carcinomatosa like changes (36.4%). Follow-up CTs were obtained in 14 patients. Nine of 14 revealed remarkable improvements, 2 patients had no changes, and 3 patients showed progressive changes. Peribronchial markings and diffuse small nodules had tendency to improve, although atelectasis, pleural thickening, and bullae were irreversible and progressive. CT plays an important role in the diagnosis and have a prognostic value in pulmonary sarcoidosis. (author)