The Imaging Diagnosis of the Thoracic Sarcoidosis

Objective:To analyze retrospectively the X-ray and CT appearances of the thoracic sarcoidosis,and to obtain a higher accunacy rate,and to reduce misdiagnosis.Methods:X-ray and CT appearances of 36 cases with proven thoracic sarcoidosis were analyzed.Results:In 34 cases enlarged thoracic lymph nodes could be detected.22 of them had bilateral hilar lymph node enlargement and mediastinal lymph node enlargement,2 of them had bilateral hilar lymph node enlargement but no mediastinal lymph node enlargement,7 of them had unilateral hilar and mediastinal lymph node enlargement,and 1 of them had unilateral hilar lymph node enlargement and no mediastinal lymph node enlargement.In 25 cases there were abnonrmal findings in the lungs.18 of them had multiple nodes,13 of them had linear shadows,11 of them had groundglass opacities,5 of them had thickened bronchi and vessels,4 of them had air trapping,and 2 of them had consolidation.Conclusion:Diagnosis of the thoracic sarcoidosis with typical imaging appearances is easy.Diagnosis of the atypical cases is difficult and combination with clinical findings and follow-up is necessary.