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Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis



Since the symptoms of Sarcoidosis can be easily confused for other illnesses and condition, a proper diagnosis of Sarcoidosis will require a detailed physical exam to check for:

  • An enlarged liver
  • Abnormal breathing
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Skin rash

In addition to the physical exams, other tests for Sarcoidosis that may be needed include:

  • CBC or Complete Blood Count
  • Calcium level test
  • Immunoelectrophoresis - serum
  • Liver function tests
  • Quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry)
  • Serum phosphorus
  • Chest x-rays often give the first indication of Sarcoidosis and indicate swollen lymph glands and affected areas of the lungs
  • CT scan of the chest
  • Pulmonary function test (PFT) will test if the lungs are functioning optimally. Since the lungs of people with Sarcoidosis do not function normally, it will indicate the presence of a problem
  • Gallium scan using the radioactive element Gallium-67. A positive gallium scan may indicate the presence of Sarcoidosis but is not always conclusive
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage is performed using a bronchoscope to examine the cells inside the lungs more closely. A high number of white blood cells in the lungs will indicate an infection and inflammation of the tissue
  • Kveim test has still not been approved by the USFDA though several private clinics in the country use the test for their own records
  • Slit lamp examination to check for Sarcoidosis of the eyes
  • Biopsy of the lung or other tissues
With the help of the test results, your doctor will be able to confirm the diagnosis of Sarcoidosis by ruling out other illnesses with the similar symptoms such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer of the lymph nodes. 
Signs & Symptoms
Prognosis
References
  1. Sonya R. Hardin, Cat's claw: An Amazonian vine decreases inflammation in osteoarthritis, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2007, Pages 25-28, ISSN 1744-3881, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2006.10.003.