Sarcoidosis (as cause of arthritis)

Not Uncommon
  • 4x more common in Blacks than Whites
Usually bilateral ankle arthritis
  • Occasionally bilat. small joint disease

Arthritis may be Acute, often Chronic (>6 mos.)

Suspect if other features of sarcoidosis:
  • Lung:  Chronic cough, dyspnea, fatigue, fevers
  • Skin:  Facial rashes, Erythema nodosum (legs)
  • Eye:  Iritis, Retinitis, Keratitis, Conjunctivitis
Diagnostics:
  • CXR for asymptomatic hilar adenopathy
  • Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)

See posting Monoarticular / Oligoarticular Arthritis.