Pulmonary sarcoidosis: a mimic of XXXX .

@entity1143 @entity32 @entity697 @entity3018 @entity66 @entity738 @entity1353 @entity625 @entity82 @entity404 @entity281 @entity364 @entity358 @entity911 @entity1729 @entity4310 @entity370 @entity378 @entity221 @entity5406
@entity370 is an idiopathic @entity66 with several clinical and roentgenographic features suggestive of @entity1729 . In the absence of @entity281 , it is characterized by the microscopic presence of noncaseating epithelioid @entity738 in affected tissues. When present, constitutional symptoms, @entity221 , coughing, and exertional @entity1353 usually develop insidiously, although occasionally Lofgren's syndrome--the triad of @entity3018 , @entity5406 and @entity625 --may herald the onset of @entity697 . @entity358 is the roentgenographic hallmark of @entity370 ; @entity3018 is the most common manifestation. However, parenchymal infiltrates and @entity1143 may occur. Although numerous bacterial and fungal organisms may mimic the clinical and roentgenographic features of @entity370 , @entity378 and @entity364 associated with @entity32 are the infectious processes most apt to cause diagnostic @entity911 . Several diagnostic clues are available to the clinician confronted with the consideration of @entity370 . @entity4310 (stage 0, normal radiograph; stage I, isolated @entity3018 ; stage II, hilar @entity3018 and parenchymal involvement; stage III, isolated parenchymal involvement; and stage IV, parenchymal @entity82 ) provides a framework on which a differential diagnosis of likely infectious agents may be constructed and a history of travel to regions of endemic @entity364 may further narrow the differential diagnosis. An unexplained exudative lymphocytic @entity1143 or @entity404 lymphocyte predominance in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid may also suggest a diagnosis of @entity370 . However, the definitive diagnosis of @entity370 is dependent upon the histological demonstration of noncaseating @entity738 and the exclusion of @entity281 in the appropriate clinical and roentgenographic setting.
