Which statement best reflects a typical sarcoidosis history/exam finding?

Which statement best reflects a typical sarcoidosis history/exam finding?

• A. African Americans with wheezing and productive cough
• B. European Americans with dry nonproductive cough
• C. African Americans with dry nonproductive cough, dyspnea, rales, erythema nodosum
• D. Asian Americans with fever and night sweats

Answer: (C)

Sarcoidosis commonly affects the lungs and can present with a dry, nonproductive cough, progressive shortness of breath, and characteristic exam findings from interstitial lung involvement, such as bibasilar crackles (rales). A classic skin manifestation is erythema nodosum, which often appears in the acute form of the disease (Löfgren syndrome) and can accompany a better prognosis. The combination of being in a demographic with higher risk in the US (African American), plus dry nonproductive cough, dyspnea, rales on exam, and erythema nodosum, best fits the typical sarcoidosis picture. In contrast, wheezing with productive cough points toward asthma or infection, and fever with night sweats in this demographic is less characteristic of sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis commonly affects the lungs and can present with a dry, nonproductive cough, progressive shortness of breath, and characteristic exam findings from interstitial lung involvement, such as bibasilar crackles (rales). A classic skin manifestation is erythema nodosum, which often appears in the acute form of the disease (Löfgren syndrome) and can accompany a better prognosis. The combination of being in a demographic with higher risk in the US (African American), plus dry nonproductive cough, dyspnea, rales on exam, and erythema nodosum, best fits the typical sarcoidosis picture. In contrast, wheezing with productive cough points toward asthma or infection, and fever with night sweats in this demographic is less characteristic of sarcoidosis.