Nodular sarcoidosis of the liver and spleen: analysis of 32 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of nodular hepatosplenic sarcoidosis and its association with stage with chest radiography and clinical status.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients (21 women, 11 men; aged 25-68 years) with nodular hepatosplenic sarcoidosis were evaluated. CT findings were described along with chest radiographic stage, clinical status, and level of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).


RESULTS
Nodules were small, multiple, and of low attenuation. Organomegaly was common. Abdominal adenopathy was present in 76% of the patients. Chest radiographs were normal in 25%; 61% had stage 1 or 2 radiographs. Abdominal or systemic symptoms were present in 66%. ACE level was elevated in 10 (91%) of 11 patients tested. No change in chest radiographic stage was noted in 74% of patients with follow-up radiographs.


CONCLUSIONS
Nodular hepatosplenic sarcoidosis is associated with organomegaly, adenopathy, and symptoms. Nodules were not associated with advanced lung disease and did not herald a change in chest radiographic stage. An elevated ACE level may be helpful in diagnosis.
Warshauer
D M
DM
Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599-7510, USA.
Molina
P L
PL
Hamman
S M
SM
Koehler
R E
RE
Paulson
E K
EK
Bechtold
R E
RE
Perlmutter
M L
ML
Hiken
J N
JN
Francis
I R
IR
Cooper
C J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000097:blood; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000201:enzymology; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000201:enzymology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A