[De novo sarcoidosis after kidney transplantation]

Abstract

History and clinical findings: A 39-year-old man complained of unspecific chest pains four years after kidney transplantation.

Investigations: Laboratory tests revealed a slow increase of retentions values; the value of soluble IL-2 receptor was slightly elevated. Computed tomography of the chest confirmed mediastinal and bilateral hilar masses. The broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) showed a marked increase of the CD4/CD8 T-lymphocyte ratio and the aspiration cytology of these lymphadenopathies revealed the cytopathological characteristics of sarcoidosis.

Treatment and clinical course: An asymptomatic stage I sarcoidosis was diagnosed, and the immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine, mycophenolatmofetil and prednisone was retained. The patient has remained asymptomatic for now six months.

Conclusion: When bilateral hilar / mediastinal lymphadenopathies occur after organ transplantation with immunosuppression de novo sarcoidosis should be taken into account.