title: Sarcoidosis Presenting as an Intraperitoneal Mass.
abstract: BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic, inflammatory condition primarily encountered within the lungs but very rarely identified in the peritoneum. Case Study: A 34-year-old woman presented with pleural effusion, ascites and an adnexal mass, indicative of ovarian cancer. RESULTS: A biopsy revealed granulomas and lymphocytic infiltrate, consistent with sarcoidosis. The patient's symptoms were resolved with corticosteroids. However, 2 years later, she developed another pelvic mass and underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. Final pathology revealed granulomas and endometriosis, consistent with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSION: Since intraperitoneal sarcoidosis is extremely rare, the differential diagnosis is unlikely to include this condition in the context of presumptive ovarian cancer. However, in patients with a history of sarcoidosis, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion to effectuate early detection and provide appropriate treatment.
authors.affiliation: Gynecologic Oncology Associates, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, Calif., USA.
authors.forename: John V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Howard D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Epstein
authors.forename: Miles
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Bram H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Goldstein