SARCOIDOSIS OF THE PERICARDIUM MYOCARDIUM AND LUNG
54-year-old female with peripheral adenopathy who had an inguinal node biopsied 6 years prior showing sarcoidosis.
Early Appearance of Pericarditis
Chest examinations at the time showed little evidence of sarcoid except for a few small nodules. Mild pericardial thickening was present on the CT. She has a history of hypertension COPD; sleep apnea, on CPAP; diabetes mellitus, on metformin; lumpectomy x2; GERD; and vertigo
4 years ago she presented with SOB and was noted to have a pericardial effusion by echo without tamponade
The pericardial effusion was drained with negative cytology and negative for TB . CT at the time following the drainage showed a thickened pericardium with pericardial drain in place
She represented 1 year later with symptoms of worsening intermittent chest pain, and shortness of breath exacerbated with exertion. An echocardiogram, showed recurrent increasing pericardial effusion confirmed by CT. She was placed on steroids but did not tolerate the steroids.
Later in that year she had another recurrence of pericardial effusion
She underwent surgery for pericardial window and VATS biopsy of her left lower lobe. Her pericardium was noted to be thickened
Pathology revealed Non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation involving pulmonary interstitium and occasional airways; AFB, GMS, and PAS stains were negative for micro-organisms.
The left pericardial biopsy showed diffuse and extensive non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and AFB, GMS, and PAS stains were negative for micro-organisms.
CT scan at the end of that year (131555) showed thickened pericardium.
2 Months Later No Recurrence of Effusion, but Persistent Pericardial Thickening
An MRI at the time showed diffuse thickening of the pericardium with enhancement as well as nodular mid myocardial changes at the hinge points and the inferolateral aspects. Subendocardial changes were also noted.
Repeat MRI the next year showed similar findings
She represented 1 year later with symptoms of worsening intermittent chest pain, and shortness of breath exacerbated with exertion. An echocardiogram, showed recurrent increasing pericardial effusion confirmed by CT. She was placed on steroids but did not tolerate the steroids.
Later in that year she underwent surgery for pericardial window and VATS biopsy of her left lower lobe. Her pericardium was noted to be thickened
Pathology revealed Non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation involving pulmonary interstitium and occasional airways; AFB, GMS, and PAS stains were negative for micro-organisms.
The left pericardial biopsy showed diffuse and extensive non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and AFB, GMS, and PAS stains were negative for micro-organisms.
CT scan at the end of that year (131555) showed thickened pericardium.
An MRI at the time showed diffuse thickening of the pericardium with enhancement as well as nodular mid myocardial changes at the hinge points and the inferolateral aspects. Subendocardial changes were also noted.