Sarcoidosis: a unique presentation of dysphagia, myopathy, and photophobia

Abstract

We report the case of a patient who presented with symptoms of dysphagia, muscle weakness, and photophobia. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made by the histologic evidence of widespread noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas in more than one organ (anterior mediastinal node and right quadriceps muscle). The disease was proven to be active by elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level and gallium-67 imaging. Esophageal dysfunction was demonstrated by barium swallow and manometric study. A review of the literature on sarcoidosis involving the esophagus and the muscular system is presented. Dysphagia and acute symptomatic myopathy are rare presentations of sarcoidosis. The combination of symptoms is unique, and clearly demonstrates the protean multisystemic nature of sarcoidosis. Patients presenting with dysphagia and myopathy should be investigated for sarcoid granulomas in these organs for appropriate treatment.