BACKGROUND: Sarcoïdosis is a benign systemic granulomatosis whose aetiology remains unknown. Lung is the most frequently involved organ. The pseudoalveolar form of this disease is known to have an acute onset and is quite uncommon. Therefore, diagnosing such a rare variety of sarcoidosis is rather often challenging. OBSERVATIONS: In the present article, the authors report two cases of pseudoalveolar sarcoidosis. The patients, both young adults, showed no suggestive signs of sarcoidosis at first presentation. This resulted in a considerable delay to diagnosis and to the corticosteroid therapy. CONCLUSION: The authors emphasize the rarity of the pseudoalveolar form of sarcoidosis. They insist on its roentgenographic characteristics and demonstrate the functional benefits allowed by the precocious medical management. They also propose a current review of the literature.
BACKGROUND: Sarcoïdosis is a benign systemic granulomatosis whose aetiology remains unknown. Lung is the most frequently involved organ. The pseudoalveolar form of this disease is known to have an acute onset and is quite uncommon. Therefore, diagnosing such a rare variety of sarcoidosis is rather often challenging. OBSERVATIONS: In the present article, the authors report two cases of pseudoalveolar sarcoidosis. The patients, both young adults, showed no suggestive signs of sarcoidosis at first presentation. This resulted in a considerable delay to diagnosis and to the corticosteroid therapy. CONCLUSION: The authors emphasize the rarity of the pseudoalveolar form of sarcoidosis. They insist on its roentgenographic characteristics and demonstrate the functional benefits allowed by the precocious medical management. They also propose a current review of the literature.