Solitary nodular sarcoidosis

Abstract

Three patients, each with a solitary lung nodule consisting of sarcoid tissue, are described. With the exception of one case where a submandibular lymph node was palpable, clinical and pathological involvement was limited to the thorax and the prognosis was highly favourable. In spite of atypical features, the absence of other causes of granulomatous inflammation suggests that these patients had sarcoidosis. What factors account for limited granulomatous reaction in this form of sarcoidosis are unknown. Previous use of corticosteroids and an age of over 40 years are two possible causes suggested by these cases.