Sarcoidosis of the spleen.
To determine the frequency of splenic involvement in sarcoidosis, fine-needle aspiration biopsies of the spleen have been performed on 71 patients and enlarged in 6. Splenic sarcoidosis was demonstrated in 53% of all patinets, and in 67% of those with and in 47% of those without known extrathoracic manifestations. No complications occurred with this simple bedside procedure. In sarcoidosis, fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the spleen is a valuable diagnostic tool, especially when visible or palpable lesions are absent. Its use is recommended before the use of mediastinoscopy, bronchoscopy, lung biopsy or laparoscopy.
D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000209:etiology