[The problem of joint sarcoidosis]

Abstract

Joint symptoms in sarcoidosis are early manifestations of this systemic disease; patients with such symptoms, however, are seldom examined by a rheumatologist. The authors investigated 72 patients in whom a definite diagnosis of sarcoidosis had been made at the 1. University Clinic for Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. Joint symptoms were found in 75% of the patients. In those with erythema nodosum they were found in 94%. Acute onset of the disease was found in more than 50% of the patients with erythema nodosum. Objective joint abnormalities were noted in 28% of the patients without erythema nodosum and in 67% of the patients with erythema nodosum. The talocrural joints were most frequently affected (32%). The laboratory investigations included the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mucoprotein-tyrosin, blood calcium, uric acid, gamma globulin levels, latex fixation test, the Waaler-Rose hemagglutination test and alkaline phosphatase. The results of the laboratory tests and of the clinical findings were compared with those already published. Sarcoidosis is always a possible diagnosis in mono-and oligarticular arthritides of the talocrural joints in middle aged patients, particularly in women with erythema nodosum. The diagnosis is confirmed by enlargement of the hilar lymph nodes on CXR and by a negative tuberculin reaction.