CASE REPORTS
ENGLISH ABSTRACT
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

[Granulomatous hepatitis and myelitis: an unusual manifestation of extrapulmonary sarcoidosis].

Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystem disorder of unknown cause characterized by the presence of noncaseating epitheloid granulomas and derangement of the normal skin architecture. Though an array of organs may be affected by the disease the most common site of affection is the lung. An extrathoratic manifestation is rare. We describe a 66-year-old patient who was admitted to our hospital because of weight loss and hepatomegaly. A thorough examination revealed the diagnosis of a granulomatous hepatitis characterized by a markedly elevated alkaline phosphatase concentration of 1,490 U/I. A drug-induced hepatitis could be excluded and no evidence was found for the existence of a bacterial or viral infection or an autoimmune disorder. An ERCP revealed a normal common bile duct and normally branching small intrahepatic ducts. The patient was discharged with the diagnosis of a biliary cirrhosis. Half a year later the patient was readmitted to the hospital because of severe intestinal bleeding due to pancytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy showed infiltration of the marrow by granulomas. A histiocytosis X could be ruled out. The diagnosis of an extrathoracic sarcoidosis was assumed and a therapy with prednisone was started. Within six weeks the blood count normalized. After 18 months the serum alkaline phospatase concentration also normalized and no granulomas were found in the bone marrow. The case demonstrates that pancytopenia in sarcoidosis is not due to bone marrow failure.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app