Imaging of Sarcoidosis: A Contemporary Review

Radiol Clin North Am. 2016 May;54(3):519-34. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2015.12.009. Epub 2016 Mar 10.

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder with a variety of clinical presentations and radiological appearances. Although it primarily affects the lungs and lymphatics, sarcoidosis potentially involves essentially every organ system. On imaging, sarcoidosis can mimic different disease entities, including primary and metastatic neoplasms, vasculitis, and other granulomatous infections. Definitive diagnosis often requires a combination of clinical, radiological, and histologic information. Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis and evaluating response to therapy. This review covers imaging findings in sarcoidosis within each organ system, with an emphasis on the use of imaging in the diagnosis and management of this condition.

Keywords: Imaging; Multisystem; Sarcoidosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thoracic Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods