Central Bronchial Deformity in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Finding Suggestive of an Upper Lobe Fibrotic Phenotype on Chest Images

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Bronchial and lung parenchymal structural remodeling may occur due to disease progression in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis; however, its mechanisms remain unclear. Central bronchial deformity (CBD) associated with shrinkage in the upper lobe (SUL) is often observed in such patients. This study aimed to examine the association between CBD and structural remodeling to identify features indicating disease severity on chest images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 72 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, excluding patients with only bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. The participants were divided into with and without CBD groups to examine the association between CBD and other structural remodeling, including SUL, cyst and/or low attenuation area-like emphysema (Cyst/LAA), pleural/sub-pleural thickening (PT), and traction bronchiectasis (TrBE), in the upper lobe on chest images. The association of CBD phenotype with respiratory dysfunction was also examined.

RESULTS

CBD was highly associated with SUL (81.4% vs. 8.9%), Cyst/LAA (44.4% vs. 6.7%), and PT (59.2% vs. 3.7%). The respective odds ratios in the univariable and multivariable analyses were as follows: SUL, 45.1 and 39.9; Cyst/LAA, 11.2 and 14.2; and PT, 64.0 and 68.7. TrBE was frequently associated with CBD (22.25% vs. 4.4%); the odds ratio was 6.14 in the univariable analysis. Furthermore, participants with CBD exhibited lower %FVC and %DLCO.

CONCLUSION

CBD is significantly associated with lung remodeling (SUL, Cyst/LAA, TrBE, and PT) and respiratory dysfunction. CBD may be a crucial clinical phenotype to identify upper lobe fibrotic changes.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Diagnosis of sarcoidosis depends on a compatible clinical and imaging presentation, histologic finding of non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, and exclusion of alternative causes of granulomatous diseases. This study has reviewed the diagnostic algorithms and approaches of sarcoidosis.

Dexamethasone alleviates pulmonary sarcoidosis by regulating the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling to promote Th17/Treg cell rebalance

Pulmonary sarcoidosis is an immune-mediated disorder closely related to Th17/Treg cell imbalance. Dexamethasone has been shown to regulate inflammation and immune responses in sarcoidosis patients. However, the underlying mechanisms of dexamethasone regulating Th17/Treg balance in sarcoidosis remain elusive. Herein, we elucidated the function role of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling in pulmonary sarcoidosis development and explored the underlying mechanism of dexamethasone in treating pulmonary sarcoidosis. We found that the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway was inactivated in pulmonary sarcoidosis patients. Propionibacterium acnes (PA) induced mouse model was generated to investigate the function of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling in vivo. Data indicated that IL17A inhibition with neutralizing antibody and activation of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling with SRI-011381 alleviated granuloma formation in the sarcoidosis mouse model. Moreover, we revealed that the Th17/Treg cell ratio was increased with PA treatment in mouse bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood. The concentration of cytokines produced by Th17 cells (IL-17A, IL-23) was up-regulated in the BALF of PA-treated mice, while those produced by Tregs (IL-10, TGF-β1) presented significant reduction. The treatment of IL-17A neutralizing antibody or SRI-011381 was demonstrated to rescue the PA-induced changes in the concentration of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-10, and TGF-β1. Additionally, we demonstrated that dexamethasone treatment activated the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling in the lung tissues of pulmonary sarcoidosis mice. Dexamethasone was also revealed to promote the rebalancing of the Th17/Treg ratio and attenuated the granuloma formation in pulmonary sarcoidosis. In conclusion, dexamethasone activates the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling and induces Th17/Treg rebalance, alleviating pulmonary sarcoidosis, which suggests the potential of dexamethasone in treating pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Clinical metabolomics by NMR revealed serum metabolic signatures for differentiating sarcoidosis from tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary sarcoidosis (SAR) and tuberculosis (TB) are two granulomatous lung-diseases and often pose a diagnostic challenge to a treating physicians.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to explore the diagnostic potential of NMR based serum metabolomics approach to differentiate SAR from TB.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The blood samples were obtained from three study groups: SAR (N = 35), TB (N = 28) and healthy normal subjects (NC, N = 56) and their serum metabolic profiles were measured using 1D 1H CPMG (Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill) NMR spectra recorded at 800 MHz NMR spectrometer. The quantitative metabolic profiles were compared employing a combination of univariate and multivariate statistical analysis methods and evaluated for their diagnostic potential using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

Compared to SAR, the sera of TB patients were characterized by (a) elevated levels of lactate, acetate, 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), glutamate and succinate (b) decreased levels of glucose, citrate, pyruvate, glutamine, and several lipid and membrane metabolites (such as very-low/low density lipoproteins (VLDL/LDL), polyunsaturated fatty acids, etc.).

CONCLUSION

The metabolic disturbances not only found to be well in concordance with various previous reports, these further demonstrated very high sensitivity and specificity to distinguish SAR from TB patients suggesting serum metabolomics analysis can serve as surrogate method in the diagnosis and clinical management of SAR.

T-cell signature cytokines distinguish pulmonary sarcoidosis from pulmonary tuberculosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by tissue infiltration due to mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes and associated noncaseating granuloma formation. Pulmonary sarcoidosis (PS) shares a number of clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics with that of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Due to this, clinicians face issues in differentiating between PS and PTB in a substantial number of cases. There is a lack of any specific biomarker that can diagnose PS distinctively from PTB. We compared T-cell-based signature cytokines in patients with PS and PTB. In this study, we proposed a serum biomarker panel consisting of cytokines from cells: T helper (Th) 1 [interferon-gamma (IFN-γ); tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], Th9 [interleukin (IL)-9], Th17 [IL-17], and T regulatory (Treg) [IL-10; transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)]. We performed the principal component analysis that demonstrated that our serum cytokine panel has a significant predictive ability to differentiate PS from PTB. Our results could aid clinicians to improve the diagnostic workflow for patients with PS in TB endemic settings where the diagnosis between PS and PTB is often ambiguous.

Evaluation of genetic risk, its clinical manifestation and disease management based on 18 susceptibility gene markers among West-Slavonic patients with sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a heterogenous, multisystemic inflammatory disease that primarily affects lungs. In this study, we multiplex genotyped 18 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to replicate the findings from previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene studies, and extended analyses to different clinical manifestations (Lofgren syndrome and chest X-ray [CXR] stages) including treatment response among West-Slavonic subjects (564 sarcoidosis patients and 301 healthy controls). We confirm the replication (with Bonferroni correction) of ANXA11 rs1049550 as protective variant for sarcoidosis (odds ratio [OR]=0.71, p=1.33×10^-3), non-LS (OR=0.66, p=2.71×10^-4) and CXR stages 2-4 (OR=0.62, p=7.48×10^-5) compared to controls in West-Slavonic population. We also validate the association of risk variants C6orf10 rs3129927 (OR=2.61, p=2.60×10^-8), TNFA rs1800629 (OR=1.56, p=6.65×10^-4), ATF6B rs3130288 (OR=2.75, p=1.06×10^-9) and HLA-DQA1 rs2187668 (OR=1.74, p=8.83×10^-4) with sarcoidosis compared to controls. For sub-phenotypes compared to controls, risk variants C6orf10 rs3129927 (OR=5.35, p=1.07×10^-12), TNFA rs1800629 (OR=2.66, p=5.94×10^-7), ATF6B rs3130288 (OR=5.24, p=5.21×10^-13), LRRC16A rs9295661 (OR=2.97, p=4.29×10^-4), HLA-DQA1 rs2187668 (OR=3.14, p=1.09×10^-6) and HLA-DRA rs3135394 (OR=5.23, p=8.25×10^-13) were associated with LS while C6orf10 rs3129927 (OR=1.96, p=4.27×10^-4) and ATF6B rs3130288 (OR=2.15, p=3.36×10^-5) were associated with non-LS. For CXR stages compared to controls, C6orf10 rs3129927 (OR=3.67, p=3.63×10^-11), TNFA rs1800629 (OR=1.84, p=1.32×10^-4), ATF6B rs3129927 (OR=3.63, p=1.82×10^-11), HLA-DQA1 rs2187668 (OR=2.13, p=9.59×10^-5) and HLA-DRA rs3135394 (OR=3.42, p=3.45×10^-10) were risk variants for early CXR stages 0-1 while C6orf10 rs3129927 (OR=1.99, p=5.51×10^-4), ATF6B rs3129927 (OR=2.23, p=3.52×10^-5) and HLA-DRA rs3135394 (OR=1.85, p=2.00×10^-3) were risk variants for advanced CXR stages 2-4. The present findings nominate gene variants as plausible prognostic markers for clinical phenotypes, treatment response and disease resolution/progression and may form the basis for establishing genotype-phenotype relationships in patients with sarcoidosis among West-Slavonic population.

[Sarcoidosis]

Sarcoidosis is the most common granulomatous disease in northern Europe. A distinction is made between acute forms of sarcoidosis and chronic sarcoidosis. Chronic sarcoidosis can affect practically all organs but the lungs are affected in 90-95% of patients. The clinical appearance varies between asymptomatic and oligosymptomatic courses, which are diagnosed more by chance, to courses with acute organ failure. An extensive organ work-up is necessary at the time of the initial diagnosis in order to record the extent of organ involvement and to make appropriate treatment decisions. Asymptomatic courses with purely pulmonary sarcoidosis do not require treatment and can be observed over the course of the disease, whereas courses with extensive organ involvement or organ dysfunction require treatment. The treatment consists primarily of the administration of glucocorticoids. If the effect of the glucocorticoids is insufficient or if there are side effects, various immunosuppressive agents, including biologics can be added.

Results From a Phase 4, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Repository Corticotropin Injection for the Treatment of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

INTRODUCTION

Long-term treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis with glucocorticoids has been associated with toxicity and other adverse events, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of repository corticotropin injection (RCI, Acthar^® Gel) in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and to validate endpoints for use in future clinical trials.

METHODS

In this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, subjects received subcutaneous RCI (80 U) twice weekly or matching placebo through 24 weeks in a double-blind treatment phase, followed by an optional 24-week open-label extension. Efficacy was measured by glucocorticoid tapering, pulmonary function tests, chest imaging, patient-reported outcomes, and a novel sarcoidosis treatment score (STS). Safety was assessed by adverse events, physical examinations, vital signs, clinical laboratory abnormalities, and imaging. The study was terminated early due to low enrollment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby precluding statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-five subjects were randomized to receive either RCI (n = 27) or placebo (n = 28). Mean STS at week 24 showed greater improvement with RCI (1.4) compared with placebo (0.7). At week 48, those who remained on RCI had an STS of 1.8 compared with 0.9 in those who switched from placebo to RCI. More subjects in the RCI group discontinued glucocorticoids at week 24 compared to the placebo group. Glucocorticoid discontinuation was comparable at week 48 for those who switched from placebo to RCI and those who continued RCI. Similar trends in favor of RCI over placebo were observed with the other efficacy endpoints. No new or unexpected safety signals were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

RCI was safe and well tolerated, with trends in efficacy data suggesting greater improvement with RCI compared to placebo in patients receiving standard-of-care therapy for pulmonary sarcoidosis. The study also provided validation of efficacy endpoints that may be used in larger trials for pulmonary sarcoidosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03320070.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis: A novel sequelae of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: A case report

BACKGROUND

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is an uncommon yet serious adverse drug hypersensitivity reaction with the presentations including rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, and internal organ involvement. Sarcoidosis is a systematic granulomatous disease with unknown etiology. We herein report a case of pulmonary sarcoidosis secondary to allopurinol-induced DRESS.

CASE SUMMARY

A 37-year-old man with a history of hyperuricemia was treated with allopurinol for three weeks at a total dose of 7000 milligrams before developing symptoms including anorexia, fever, erythematous rash, and elevated transaminase. The patient was diagnosed with DRESS and was treated with prednisone for 6 mo until all the symptoms completely resolved. Three months later, the patient presented again because of a progressively worsening dry cough. His chest computed tomography images showed bilateral lung parenchyma involvement with lymph node enlargement, which was confirmed to be nonnecrotizing granuloma by pathological examination. Based on radiologic and pathological findings, he was diagnosed with sarcoidosis and was restarted on treatment with prednisone, which was continued for another 6 mo. Reexamination of chest imaging revealed complete resolution of parenchymal lung lesions and a significant reduction in the size of the mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Following a 6-month follow-up of completion of treatment, the patient's clinical condition remained stable with no clinical evidence of relapse.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case in which pulmonary sarcoidosis developed as a late complication of allopurinol-induced DRESS. The case indicated that the autoimmune reaction of DRESS may play an important role in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.

Identifying a core outcome set for pulmonary sarcoidosis research - the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research - Sarcoidosis Clinical OUtcomes Taskforce (SCOUT)

Background

Pulmonary sarcoidosis is a rare granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology. Heterogeneity in the outcomes measured in trials of treatment for pulmonary sarcoidosis has impacted on the ability to systematically compare findings, contributing to research inefficiency. The FSR-SCOUT study has aimed to address this heterogeneity by developing a core outcome set that represents a patient and health professional consensus on the most important outcomes to measure in future research for the treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Research design and methods

systematic review of trial registries, narrative synthesis of published qualitative literature on the patient experience and results of a patient survey contributed to the development of a comprehensive list of outcomes that were rated in a two round online Delphi survey. The Delphi survey was completed by patients/carers and health professionals and the results discussed and ratified at an online consensus meeting.

Results

259 patients/carers and 51 health professionals completed both rounds of the Delphi survey. A pre-agreed definition of consensus was applied and the results discussed at an online consensus meeting attended by 17 patients and 7 health professionals). Fifteen outcomes, across five domains (physiological/clinical, treatment, resource use, quality of life, and death), reached the definition of consensus and were included in the core outcome set.

Conclusions

The core outcome set represents a patient and health professional consensus on the most important outcomes for pulmonary sarcoidosis research. The use of the core outcome set in future trials, and efforts to validate its components, will enhance the relevance of trials to stakeholders and will increase the opportunity for the research to contribute to evidence synthesis.

A systematic review of outcomes to inform the development of a core outcome set for pulmonary sarcoidosis

Background:

Clinical trials evaluating different management strategies for pulmonary sarcoidosis may measure different outcomes. This heterogeneity in outcomes can lead to waste in research due to the inability to compare and combine data. Core outcome sets (COS) have the potential to address this issue and here we describe a systematic review of outcomes as the first step in the development of a COS for pulmonary sarcoidosis research.

Methods:

A search of clinical trial registries for phase II, III and IV trials of pulmonary sarcoidosis was undertaken along with a rapid review of the patient perspective literature. Each study was screened for eligibility and outcomes extracted verbatim from the registry entry or publication then reviewed, grouped and categorised using the COMET taxonomy.

Results:

36 trial registry entries and 6 studies on patients’ perspective of pulmonary sarcoidosis were included reporting 56 and 82 unique outcomes respectively across 23 domains. The most frequently reported outcome domain was “respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal outcomes”. However, the patients’ perspective literature identified outcomes in the “personal circumstances” and “societal/carer burden” domains that were not reported in any of the included trial registrations.

Conclusions:

Using both clinical trial registry data and published literature on patients’ perspective has allowed rapid review of outcomes measured and reported in pulmonary sarcoidosis research. The use of multiple sources has led to the development of a comprehensive list of outcomes that represents the first step in the development of a COS for use in future pulmonary sarcoidosis research.

Follicular Helper-like T Cells in the Lung Highlight a Novel Role of B Cells in Sarcoidosis

Rationale

Pulmonary sarcoidosis is generally presumed to be a T-helper cell type 1– and macrophage-driven disease. However, mouse models have recently revealed that chronically inflamed lung tissue can also comprise T follicular helper (Tfh)-like cells and represents a site of active T-cell/B-cell cooperation.

Objectives

To assess the role of pulmonary Tfh- and germinal center–like lymphocytes in sarcoidosis.

Methods

BAL fluid, lung tissue, and peripheral blood samples from patients with sarcoidosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunohistology, RNA sequencing, and in vitro T-cell/B-cell cooperation assays for phenotypic and functional characterization of germinal center–like reactions in inflamed tissue.

Measurements and Main Results

We identified a novel population of Tfh-like cells characterized by high expression of the B helper molecules CD40L and IL-21 in BAL of patients with sarcoidosis. Transcriptome analysis further confirmed a phenotype that was both Tfh-like and tissue resident. BAL T cells provided potent help for B cells to differentiate into antibody-producing cells. In lung tissue, we observed large peribronchial infiltrates with T and B cells in close contact, and many IgA⁺ plasmablasts. Most clusters were nonectopic; that is, they did not contain follicular dendritic cells. Patients with sarcoidosis also showed elevated levels of PD-1^high CXCR5⁻ CD40L^high ICOS^high Tfh-like cells, but not classical CXCR5⁺ Tfh cells, in the blood.

Conclusions

Active T-cell/B-cell cooperation and local production of potentially pathogenic antibodies in the inflamed lung represents a novel pathomechanism in sarcoidosis and should be considered from both diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.

National Temporal Trends in Hospitalization and Inpatient Mortality in Patients with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis in the United States between 2007 - 2018

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis-related hospitalizations have been increasing in the last decade. There is a paucity of data on mortality trends over time in hospitalized patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and respiratory failure.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the national temporal trends over time in hospitalization and inpatient mortality rates in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and respiratory failure hospitalized in the U.S. between 2007 and 2018?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Hospitalization data between 2007 to 2018 were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for subjects with pulmonary sarcoidosis. In-patient mortality was stratified by age, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, hospital location, and setting (rural vs. urban; academic vs. non-academic). A Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used to assess the linear trend in mortality, respiratory failure, and need for mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

Hospitalizations in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis increased from 258.5 per 1,000,000 hospitalizations in 2007 to 705.7 per 1,000,000 in 2018. Hospitalizations for respiratory failure increased nine-fold from 25.9 to 239.4 per 1,000,000 hospitalizations, and the need for mechanical ventilation increased threefold from 9.4 per 1,000,000 in 2007 to 29.4 per 1,000,000 in 2018. All-cause inpatient mortality was 2.6%, however mortality was 13-times higher in patients with respiratory failure (10.6% vs. 0.8%), and 26-times higher in patients who required mechanical ventilation (31.2% vs. 1.2%). Inpatient mortality associated with respiratory failure declined 50% from 17.2% in 2007 to 6.6% in 2018. Independent inpatient mortality predictors were older age (aHR 1.025), respiratory failure (aHR 3.12), need for mechanical ventilation (aHR 6.01), pulmonary hypertension (aHR 1.44), pulmonary embolism (aHR 1.61) and frailty (aHR 3.1).

INTERPRETATION

Hospitalizations for respiratory failure in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis are increasing, however inpatient mortality from respiratory failure has declined. Older age, respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, and frailty are important predictors of inpatient mortality in hospitalized patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

An inflammatory triangle in Sarcoidosis: PPAR-γ, immune microenvironment, and inflammation

INTRODUCTION

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder characterized by granuloma formation in several organs. Sarcoidosis patients experience higher inflammatory responses resulting in pulmonary fibrosis. Although the precise mechanisms have not been well elucidated, the relationship between the immune system activation and inflammatory status is pivotal in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.

AREAS COVERED

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) includes the transcription factors involved in cell metabolism, proliferation, and immune response. In the alveolar macrophages of patients with sarcoidosis, the reduced activity and a decreased level of PPAR-γ have been shown. In this study, we discuss how reducing the level of PPAR-γ could lead to increased inflammation and immune responses in patients with sarcoidosis.

EXPERT OPINION

Lack of PPAR-γ may contribute to the development of a suitable milieu for the formation of immune-associated pulmonary granuloma. Reduced levels of PPAR-γ in sarcoidosis could result from over-activation of the immune system and elevated inflammatory responses, as well. Due to the anti-inflammatory function of PPAR-γ, identifying the relation between PPAR-γ, sarcoidosis development, and inflammatory state could be essential to identify the appropriate therapeutic targets. The synthesis of PPAR-γ agonists or PPAR-γ ligands may be an effective step toward the treatment of sarcoidosis patients in the future.

Tofacitinib as a Steroid-Sparing Therapy in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis, an Open-Label Prospective Proof-of-Concept Study

This is a prospective, open-label, proof-of-concept study of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, as a steroid-sparing therapy in corticosteroid-dependent pulmonary sarcoidosis. Five patients with corticosteroid-dependent pulmonary sarcoidosis were treated with tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was a ≥ 50% reduction in corticosteroids at week 16 with no worsening in pulmonary function or respiratory symptoms. 60% of patients (3/5) met the primary endpoint. One patient was lost to follow up prior to steroid taper, and another was withdrawn due to worsening of known neurosarcoidosis. The three patients who met the primary endpoint each tapered to ≤ 5 mg/day prednisone, respiratory symptoms improved, and spirometry remained stable. In this proof-of-concept study, the addition of a JAK-inhibitor allowed 60% of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis to successfully taper corticosteroids. JAK-inhibitors are a promising therapy for pulmonary sarcoidosis, which require further investigation in randomized trials.Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov NCT03793439; registered Jan 4, 2019.

Incidence and baseline characteristics of relapse or exacerbation in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis in Japan

BACKGROUND

To identify the incidence and baseline characteristics of relapse and exacerbation in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis over a long-term period.

METHODS

We enrolled 103 patients. The incidence and characteristics of relapse or exacerbation were retrospectively recorded and statistically analysed.

RESULTS

Of 103 patients, 79% were women. Mean age at diagnosis was 50.1 ± 16.4 y. Mean observation period was 9.8 ± 8.6 y. Overall relapse or exacerbation was 22.3% (n = 23) and mean time from diagnosis (including diagnosis of ocular disease at another facility) to relapse or exacerbation was 8.7 ± 8.3 y. We analysed the data of 69 -patients who were observed for > 5 y and identified relapse or exacerbation within 5 y in 9 patients. -Comparison of characteristics at diagnosis between the relapse/exacerbation group and the improved/stable group showed that the relapse/exacerbation group had a significantly higher frequency of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, longer disease duration, ocular involvement, cardiac involvement, and oral glucocorticoid use at diagnosis (P = 0.014, 0.027, 0.019, 0.035, and 0.0043, respectively). The number of risk factors was positively and significantly associated with the cumulative rate of relapse/exacerbation (P = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Our long-term observational cohort study newly identified the incidence and baseline risk factors for relapse or exacerbation in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis over a long-term period. Scoring the number of factors at baseline may facilitate the prediction of relapse or exacerbation.

Case report: a man with untreated rheumatoid arthritis, cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, membranous nephropathy and pulmonary sarcoidosis

Background

Glomerular involvement in rheumatoid arthritis has been known to be associated with treatment side effects from medications and secondary amyloidosis. However, limited basic science and clinical studies have been performed to address the potential disease specific immune-mediated mechanisms causing secondary glomerular pathology, its various types of presentation, and the potential treatments.

Case presentation

A 41-year-old man with chronic active rheumatoid arthritis presented with nephrotic syndrome and was found to have membranous nephropathy with eosinophilic intracapillary thrombi on renal biopsy. Proteinuria persisted despite complete withdrawal from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Throughout the disease course, he developed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and pulmonary sarcoidosis, both of which achieved clinical resolution with glucocorticoids. However, only partial improvement was observed in proteinuria with treatment of steroids and Rituximab.

Conclusion

Our case presented a unique and complicated clinical phenotype of active rheumatoid arthritis, with clinical features of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, histopathologic features of membranous and cryoglobulinemic nephropathy in the absence of DMARDs use, as well as pulmonary sarcoidosis. We speculate that there is a wider spectrum of glomerular disease in patients with untreated rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the potential association between rheumatoid arthritis and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis should probably be revisited and requires further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and treatment options.

Design, rationale, and baseline characteristics of a pilot randomized clinical trial of nicotine treatment for pulmonary sarcoidosis

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown cause afflicting young to middle-aged adults. The majority of patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis complain of overwhelming fatigue, which often persists despite administration of immune-modulating drugs typically used to treat sarcoidosis. Nicotine offers an alternative to conventional treatments, which are associated with a spectrum of serious untoward effects, including diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, bone marrow suppression, severe infections, cirrhosis. The described pilot randomized trial aims to provide preliminary data required to design subsequent Phase II/III trials to formally evaluate nicotine as a novel low-cost and highly-effective, safe treatment option for patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Methods

and Design: This is a randomized double-blind controlled trial of adults with confirmed pulmonary sarcoidosis, allocated in equal proportion to sustained release transdermal nicotine or placebo patch. The primary objective outcome is the improvement in forced vital capacity at study week 26 from baseline measurement. Secondary measures include lung texture score, and self-reported outcomes including the Fatigue Assessment Scale, the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and the Sarcoidosis Assessment Tool.

Discussion

Current therapies for active pulmonary sarcoidosis, remain either expensive and often with numerous side-effects, as with novel industry developed therapies, or with reduced quality of life, as with corticosteroids. Nicotine therapy provides promise as a safe, available, and cost-effective intervention strategy, which we expect to be acceptable to patients.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT02265874.

Moderate or Severe Impairment in Pulmonary Function is Associated with Mortality in Sarcoidosis Patients Infected with SARS‑CoV‑2

Purpose

To investigate whether sarcoidosis patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at risk for adverse disease outcomes.

Study Design and Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in five hospitals within the Mount Sinai Health System during March 1, 2020 to July 29, 2020. All patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study. We identified sarcoidosis patients who met diagnostic criteria for sarcoidosis according to accepted guidelines. An adverse disease outcome was defined as the presence of intubation and mechanical ventilation or in-hospital mortality. In sarcoidosis patients, we reported (when available) the results of pulmonary function testing measured within 3 years prior to the time of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to generate an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) to evaluate sarcoidosis as a risk factor for an adverse outcome. The same model was used to analyze sarcoidosis patients with moderate and/or severe impairment in pulmonary function.

Results

The study included 7337 patients, 37 of whom (0.5%) had sarcoidosis. The crude rate of developing an adverse outcome was significantly higher in patients with moderately and/or severely impaired pulmonary function (9/14 vs. 3/23, p = 0.003). While the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was not independently associated with risk of an adverse event, (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 0.9–3.6), the diagnosis of sarcoidosis in patients with moderately and/or severely impaired pulmonary function was associated with an adverse outcome (aOR 7.8, 95% CI 2.4–25.8).

Conclusion

Moderate or severe impairment in pulmonary function is associated with mortality in sarcoidosis patients infected with SARS‑CoV‑2.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00408-020-00392-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Presenting with Miliary Opacities

BACKGROUND

Lung lesions often appear in patients with sarcoidosis; however, miliary opacities are rare. We present the case of a 55-year-old Indian man who presented with dyspnea and low-grade fever.

DISCUSSION

Miliary Tuberculosis (TB) was initially suspected, despite the direct microscopic examination from bronchoalveolar lavage was negative for acid-fast bacilli because imaging showed miliary opacities, and transbronchial lung biopsy revealed the presence of typical caseating granulomas. Antitubercular treatment with the classic four-drug regimen was initiated. However, the patient did not improve and cultures were negative for Mycobacterium growth. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made only after a negative culture and clinical and histopathological re-evaluation of the case.

CONCLUSION

Although miliary sarcoidosis is rare, physicians should consider sarcoidosis in the differential diagnosis with conditions like tuberculosis, malignancy, and pneumoconiosis when patients present with miliary opacities who do not respond to the traditional treatment.

A comparative cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with asymptomatic pulmonary sarcoidosis (APS) detected incidentally and compare them with symptomatic non-Löfgren sarcoidosis (SnLS) patients.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed as having APS at a University hospital in Barcelona, Spain, followed prospectively from 1976 to 2018. APS was defined as the presence of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL) with or without lung parenchymal involvement discovered incidentally on chest radiograph or CT scan. APS was compared with SnLS.

RESULTS

APS was diagnosed in 50 (13.6%) and SnLS in 317 (86.4%) patients. At diagnosis, stage I chest radiograph was significantly more frequent in APS than in SnLS (p < 0.001) and there were no asymptomatic patients with stages III and IV. SnLS showed more severe impairment in FVC (p = 0.009) and forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1) (p = 0.003) than APS, while DLco was similar in both groups. Extrathoracic involvement at diagnosis and during the follow up was less frequent in APS than in SnLS patients (p < 0.005). Endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS) was the most used diagnostic tool. Treatment was more frequently required in the SnLS than in APS (p < 0.001). At five years, APS patients showed less presence of active disease than SnLS (p = 0.054).

CONCLUSIONS

APS showed earlier radiological stages, lesser impairment in lung function, extrapulmonary organ involvement and need for treatment than SnLS. EBUS was the most useful diagnostic tool. In spite of its benign presentation, around one third of patients evolved to persistent disease but usually with mild clinical and functional impairment.

[Is hypoxia a factor in the progression of pulmonary sarcoidosis?]

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that can reduce life expectancy mainly due to pulmonary fibrosis resulting from granulomatous inflammation The lack of vascularization within pulmonary granulomas suggests that macrophages localized in the center of these structures are hypoxic. Hypoxia signaling pathways are known to be pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic in various pathological conditions. Recent data suggest an involvement of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. This could represent a new research approach for the understanding and therapeutic management of sarcoidosis.

A case of Löfgren's syndrome confused with decompression sickness

A broad differential diagnosis is important to provide appropriate care. This may be challenging for conditions like decompression sickness (DCS) which can be easily confused with other conditions. In suspected DCS, treatment may be an important part of the diagnosis. An improvement in symptoms after hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) is consistent with a DCS event. However, HBOT may also impact symptoms in other conditions, including Löfgren's syndrome (LS). LS, a poorly understood, clinically distinct phenotype of sarcoidosis, is a complex, multi-system granulomatous inflammatory condition. Like DCS, LS symptoms are heterogeneous and idiosyncratic. We report on a patient initially diagnosed with DCS who presented new symptoms suggestive of LS after HBOT.

Risk factors of relapse in pulmonary sarcoidosis treated with corticosteroids

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of relapse in pulmonary sarcoidosis treated with corticosteroids.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical features, chest radiographs, pulmonary function tests, and treatment information were collected. The starting point was the date of diagnosis. Clinical relapse was defined as chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showing radiographic progression in combination of worsening of clinical symptoms to warrant retreatment following a decrease in dose or discontinuation of corticosteroids, without alternative causes such as infections, heart failure, or pulmonary embolism. Non-relapse was defined as remission of clinical symptoms and chest abnormalities, or clinical syndrome improvement with retention or stability of radiographic abnormalities after corticosteroids were withdrawn for at least 6 months. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of relapse.

RESULTS

Two hundred three patients with newly biopsy-proven pulmonary sarcoidosis were enrolled over a 7-year period. Among them, 96 patients received corticosteroids therapy. Relapse occurred in 30 patients with the relapse rate yielding 30/96 (31.25%). After adjustment, multivariate analysis showed that smoking history (HR = 3.674 95% CI 1.573-8.581, P = 0.003) and increased percentages of circulating neutrophils (> 70%) (HR = 2.211, 95% CI 1.073-4.557, P = 0.032) were the significant predictors of relapse in pulmonary sarcoidosis treated with corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided useful information that the relapse and associated risk factors should be taken into considerations when determining treatment strategies for patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

marneffei infection complications in an HIV-negative patient with pre-existing pulmonary sarcoidosis: a rare case report

BACKGROUND

Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) is a thermal dimorphic pathogenic fungus that often causes fatal opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Although T. marneffei-infected cases have been increasingly reported among non-HIV-infected patients in recent years, no cases of T. marneffei infection have been reported in pulmonary sarcoidosis patients. In this case, we describe a T. marneffei infection in an HIV-negative patient diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 41-year-old Chinese man who had pre-existing pulmonary sarcoidosis presented with daily hyperpyrexia and cough. Following a fungal culture from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), the patient was diagnosed with T. marneffei infection. A high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest scan revealed bilateral lung diffuse miliary nodules, multiple patchy exudative shadows in the bilateral superior lobes and right inferior lobes, air bronchogram in the consolidation of the right superior lobe, multiple hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathies and local pleural thickening. After 3 mos of antifungal therapy, the patient's pulmonary symptoms rapidly disappeared, and the physical condition improved markedly. A subsequent CT re-examination demonstrated that foci were absorbed remarkably after treatment. The patient is receiving follow-up therapy and assessment for a cure.

CONCLUSION

This case suggested that clinicians should pay more attention to non-HIV-related lung infections in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Early diagnosis and treatment with antifungal therapy can improve the prognosis of T. marneffei infection.

A rare presentation of pulmonary sarcoidosis as a solitary lung mass: a case report

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem, chronic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that predominantly affects the lungs. Pulmonary sarcoidosis classically presents with constitutional symptoms and computed tomographic scan findings of bilateral, symmetric micronodules in a peribronchovascular distribution with upper and middle lung zone predominance accompanied by bilateral, symmetric hilar lymphadenopathy. A solitary lung mass is a rare finding for pulmonary sarcoidosis, and with its associated constitutional symptoms, it strongly mimics a malignancy. We aimed to provide further insight into the broad differential diagnosis of a lung mass by describing our experiences in the care of a patient who presented with clinical and radiographic features of lung cancer who was ultimately found to have an atypical manifestation of stage II pulmonary sarcoidosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 44-year-old African American woman with a history of childhood asthma and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with shortness of breath. After being treated for a presumed asthma exacerbation with prednisone, she experienced worsening dyspnea, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. Further evaluation revealed a large left lower lobe mass and hilar lymphadenopathy. A computed tomography-guided biopsy of the lung mass revealed a multifocal non-necrotizing granuloma with multinucleated giant cells. Although consistent with sarcoidosis, this finding could represent a sarcoid-like reaction secondary to an occult malignancy. A more extensive repeat biopsy via bronchoscopy and mediastinoscopy revealed granulomatous inflammation without evidence of malignancy or infection. These procedures confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis, and she was started on treatment with high-dose prednisone. Her treatment course was complicated by hyperglycemia necessitating insulin therapy, but after 3 months of therapy, she reported improvement in her dyspnea, and repeat imaging revealed a significant decrease in the size of the lung mass and lymphadenopathy. Given her clinical and radiographic response, she was continued on a prednisone taper.

CONCLUSIONS

Atypical manifestations of pulmonary sarcoidosis are diagnostically challenging because the clinical and radiographic features of the disease mimic those of a malignancy. We aimed to illustrate a unique etiology of a lung mass and the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis. Nonetheless, with the possibility of a malignancy, a high index of suspicion is necessary for timely diagnosis and optimal management.

Differences between patients with sarcoidosis with and without joint involvement treated for fifteen years in a third level hospital

INTRODUCTION

Sarcoidosis is a complex disease of unknown etiology, with a variable course and highly different forms of presentation. Our objective was to characterize all our patients with sarcoidosis with emphasis on their clinical presentation and to establish differences between patients with sarcoidosis with and without joint involvement.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis who were treated at the outpatient or inpatient services of the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín, Colombia, from January 2002 to April 2017.

RESULTS

We identified 22 patients with sarcoidosis. There were joint symptoms in 13 of them. All but one of the patients with sarcoidosis affecting the joints had concomitant skin involvement (92%), which was much less frequent in patients without joint involvement (22%) (odds ratio=4.2; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with sarcoidosis who have joint involvement have a much higher frequency of concomitant skin involvement. The absence of cutaneous findings in a patient with joint symptoms decreases the likelihood of sarcoidosis.

Physical Functioning and Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue in Sarcoidosis Patients

Scientific reports underscore the importance of measuring the health-related quality of life in sarcoidosis patients. The present study seeks to define how sarcoidosis patients' quality of life, daily physical activity, and physical performance are related to each other. Seventeen patients (mean age 46.8 ± 8.8 years) suffering from sarcoidosis completed the following questionnaires: the fatigue assessment scale (FAS), the quality of life scale (SF-36 questionnaire), and the Borg dyspnea scale. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using accelerometry. Respiratory function, consisting of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second as a percentage of vital capacity (FEV1/%FVC), and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), were assessed. In addition, performance in 6-min walk test (MWT), aerobic capacity assessed from maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) were evaluated. We found that daily PA (4566 ± 2378 steps/day) and VO2max (21.8 ± 5.9 ml/kg/min) were lower in sarcoidosis patients than the known predicted values in healthy age-matched individuals. There were significant inverse associations between the FAS score and 6MWT (r = -0.62; p < 0.01), and between SF-36 score and 6MWT (r = -0.55; p < 0.03). In contrast, SF-36 scores associated with fatigue and dyspnea scores (r = 0.72; p < 0.001 and r = 0.85; p < 0.001). These findings imply that sarcoidosis patients are less active compared with healthy subjects. The FAS and SF-36 scales seem to be effective tools for assessing the severity of fatigue in sarcoidosis patients.

Thoracic Sarcoidosis: Imaging with High Resolution Computed Tomography

INTRODUCTION

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown aetiology that primarily affects the lungs. Clinical and radiological findings with demonstration of non caseating granulomas on pathology is utilised for diagnosing the disease.

AIM

To assess and evaluate the features of thoracic sarcoidosis on High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) chest.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 (31 males and 9 females) cases of pulmonary sarcoidosis in a period of three years were included in this study. Patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation, imaging, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) and pathological confirmation of disease. Chest radiograph was obtained in all patients. HRCT was done on 16 slice Computed Tomography (CT) using 1 mm slice thickness and high spatial frequency algorithm for image re-construction. Images were viewed and evaluated using appropriate lung and mediastinal windows. The lymph nodes were classified as hilar and mediastinal with Maximum Short Axis Diameter (MSAD) more than 10 mm taken as cut-off for enlargement. Pulmonary opacities were classified as nodules (micronodules 1-4 mm and macronodules >5 mm), reticular opacities, fibrotic lesions, ground glass opacities and consolidations. Nodule distribution classified as perilymphatic centrilobular and random. Repeat scanning done on follow up or as clinically indicated.

RESULTS

A total of five patients had Stage I disease, 24 patients had Stage II disease, eight patients had Stage III disease and three patients had stage IV disease. Mediastinal lymphdenopathy present in 29 patients. Bilateral hilar adenopathy was the predominant pattern seen in 22 patients. Lung parenchymal lesions excluding end stage disease noted in 32 patients. The characteristic HRCT lung parenchymal involvement of micronodules with a perilymphatic distribution was seen in 26 patients. HRCT features of predominant upper and middle lobe distribution seen in majority of patients. Documented atypical lesions and the characteristic features of end stage lung disease on HRCT noted in a small subset of patients. HRCT was superior to chest radiography for evaluating the features, pattern and distribution of the parenchymal lesions and mediastinal lymph nodes, for assessing the stage and activity of the disease and in aiding detection of subtle parenchymal lesions which are liable to be missed on conventional imaging.

CONCLUSION

Thoracic sarcoidosis can have varied presentations. HRCT is superior to conventional CT for the detection and characterisation of the lung parenchymal lesions.

Granulomatous Lung Disease: A Novel Complication following Metallosis from Hip Arthroplasty

A case of a female patient with local and systemic complications of metallosis, following catastrophic wear of a revised hip arthroplasty, is presented. The patient had a history of a fractured ceramic-on-ceramic implant, exchanged with a metal-on-polyethylene prosthesis. Systemic complications included sarcoidosis-like reactions, presenting as granulomatous lung disease, along with chorioretinitis, erythema nodosum, and cardiomyopathy. High local and circulating cobalt and chromium levels established the diagnosis. The patient underwent extensive debridement and implant revision. One year postoperatively, she had no respiratory symptoms or functional impairment. Local and systemic complications of metallosis after hip arthroplasty should be promptly recognized and treated operatively.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis: an update

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas, the exact etiology of which is yet to be determined. Pulmonary involvement occurs in the majority of patients and its severity ranges from asymptomatic involvement of mediastinal lymph nodes to progressive pulmonary fibrosis and chronic respiratory failure that is insensitive to treatment. Diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis requires a compatible clinical picture supported by radiologic and pathologic data. A recent development in establishing the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis is endobronchial ultrasound that increases the yield of transbronchial needle aspiration of hilar and/or mediastinal lymph nodes. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is highly sensitive in detecting occult sites of disease and is of value in guiding biopsies of these sites. A combined imaging modality using both FDG-PET and CT scan is more sensitive than PET alone and is now the standard of care in patients requiring biopsies of active lesions. Biologic agents like anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies are being used as second line treatment in those patients dependent on steroids or in cases of refractory sarcoidosis. Lung transplantation is the final option in suitable patients with end-stage pulmonary sarcoidosis.

A retrospective pilot study examining the use of Acthar gel in sarcoidosis patients

INTRODUCTION

Acthar was reported as effective for the treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis in the 1950s. Use of drug waned due to cost and toxicity compared to prednisone. Recent interest has reemerged as an alternative to high dose oral glucocorticoids.

METHODS

Chart review was performed on all advanced sarcoidosis patients seen at two centers who received at least one dose of Acthar gel therapy with at least six months of posttreatment follow up. In all cases prior sarcoidosis therapy and indications for use along with clinical outcome were noted. All patients initially received 80 IU intramuscular or subcutaneous administration twice a week.

RESULTS

A total of 47 patients were treated with Acthar gel therapy during the study period, and 18 (37%) discontinued drug within six months due to cost (four patients), death (two patients), or drug toxicity (eleven patients), or noncompliance (1 patient). Of the remaining 29 patients, eleven experienced objective improvement in one or more affected organs. All but two patients noted disease improvement or oral glucocorticoid reduction. Twenty-one patients were treated for more than six months (Median 274 days). Nineteen patients were on prednisone at time of starting Acthar gel: seventeen had their prednisone dosage reduced by more than fifty percent and one patient discontinued cyclophosphamide therapy.

CONCLUSION

In this group of advanced sarcoidosis patients, Acthar gel treatment for at least three months was associated with objective improvement in a third of patients. A third of patients were unable to take at least a three months of treatment.

Serum concentrations of A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 9 (ADAM9) mRNA as a promising novel marker for the detection of pulmonary sarcoidosis

AIMS

This prospective study investigated the potential role of serum A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 9 (ADAM9) mRNA in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis from other diseases with similar clinical presentations, such as tuberculosis (TB).

METHODS

Serum samples were collected from patients with sarcoidosis, and compared with those from patients with TB and healthy control subjects. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the concentration of ADAM9 mRNA relative to the internal control, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients with sarcoidosis were compared with 50 patients with TB and 50 healthy control subjects. The serum concentration of ADAM9 mRNA in patients with sarcoidosis was significantly lower than that in healthy control subjects and patients with TB. The serum concentration of ADAM9 mRNA in patients with TB was significantly higher than that in healthy control subjects.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that serum ADAM9 mRNA might be a potential biomarker for the differential diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis.