Sarcoidosis presenting with Polyarthritis

Abstract

Seven patients with sarcoidosis are reported, all of whom presented with polyarthritis. The clinical features are reviewed with particular emphasis on the pattern of joint involvement and its duration. Fever and systemic symptoms persisting for several weeks accompanied the polyarthritis and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was usually elevated for several months. Erythema nodosum was present in 5 patients and pulmonary changes in 6. Attention is drawn to the value of the Kveim test in diagnosis. In all cases, symptoms subsided spontaneously in several weeks and specific treatment appeared to be unnecessary. The possible cause of the various symptoms is discussed.