Sarcoidosis. Typical and atypical thoracic manifestations and complications

The chest roentgenograms of 300 proven cases of sarcoidosis are reviewed and analysed. Typical lymphadenopathy was present in approximately 58%, an atypical form in 17% and no apparent lymphadenopathy in 25%. There was no significant racial difference. Pulmonary parenchymal changes were present in two-thirds of the patients and complications were found in 28%. The complications were found in approximately 30% of 247 negro patients and approximately 20% of 53 white patients. Of special interest was the bullous and bronchiectatic cystic disease noted in 24·5%, and cavities found in 12·5% of the patients with pulmonary disease. In 10 of the cavitated cases, mycetoma formation was present. The importance of detecting the complications, in particular cavities containing mycetomata, is emphasized.