Health, Diseases and Conditions
Etiology of sarcoidosis and what diseases are confused with Léfgren's syndrome
Lefgren's syndrome is a symmetrical increase in the basal bronchopulmonary nodes of the lymphatic system from both sides. Accompanying the disease skin manifestations (erythema nodosum), high body temperature and arthralgia. Such symptoms are characteristic of sarcoidosis.
This disease affects different organs - the lungs, spleen, lymph nodes. Lefgren's syndrome in sarcoidosis is not transmitted and is not an infectious pathology. Do not confuse the disease with oncology processes and tuberculosis.
Clinical picture
Sarcoidosis was a rare disease for quite some time, but today the picture has changed, the pathology spreads with great speed all over the world. According to statistics, most suffer from Léfgren's syndrome of women from 20 to 40 years, but the disease can come to any person.
It can flow asymptomatically, gradually or in an acute form. Asymptomatic clinic, as a rule, is detected accidentally on preventive fluorographic examination. The most common is the gradual course and development of the disease with the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath during physical activity;
- Dull pain in the chest;
- Pain between the shoulder blades ;
- dry cough;
- Low-grade fever ;
- Fatigue and weakness;
- Increased sweating;
- Decreased appetite;
- Pain in the joints, in the lower back.
The acute course of sarcoidosis is called Löfgren's syndrome, it is accompanied by a fever of 38-39 ° C, joint pain, erythema skin lesions, chest pain and shortness of breath. Cases are frequent in the acute course of complete recovery of a person without the use of drug therapy and other interventions.
Etiology of the disease
Until the end of medicine, the causes of this pathology are unknown, there is a possibility that the following factors may provoke its development:
- Infection, microbacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis C virus;
- Adverse external factors, inhalation of metallic dust;
- Smoking, which is not the root cause, but significantly complicates the course of the disease;
- heredity.
Prophylaxis of sarcoidosis
The patient with Léfgren's syndrome is important to quit smoking in order to speed up recovery. Chest organs should be examined every 2 years. Taking into account the fact that the etiology of the disease is not completely known, the principles of preventive measures have not been developed. Experts recommend to avoid contact with metal dust and foci of infectious infections.
Léfgren's syndrome in sarcoidosis is indicated by the following extrapulmonary localization of the process: damage to the subcutaneous tissue, skin and peripheral lymph nodes. There is an increase in cervical, subclavian, axillary and inguinal nodules. In some cases, the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity are affected.
Bones and the central nervous system are much less affected, but such a course of the disease is more difficult. Sarcoidosis of the heart occurs in 20-30% of cases and is asymptomatic. The left parts of the heart decrease in volume, the right ventricle increases.
Early examination and treatment give a chance to expect a favorable outcome. In another case, there are changes in the lung tissue, which ultimately leads to disability.
Lefgren's syndrome: an acute variant of sarcoidosis
Often, sarcoidosis is confused with tuberculosis because of the similarity of symptoms. This requires a thorough examination, because the reasons and therapy are different. In no case can you treat yourself, especially taking drugs intended for people with tuberculosis, this can lead to death.
Léfgren's syndrome (a classic example) is when the patient's general condition is satisfactorily evaluated. Changes in the skin are observed. Can appear:
- Papules and plaques;
- Choled lupus;
- Keloid scars;
- Infiltrates;
- Erythema nodosum;
- A large-nodal and small-node sarcoid of Beck;
- Multiple dense nodes in the subcutaneous tissue.
Diagnostics
The examination of patients with Löfgren's syndrome consists in carrying out radiography. Computer tomography is used as a refining method. A biochemical and general blood test is performed.
The task of treatment is to suppress the inflammatory process. The most effective way is to use corticosteroids for six months. With the defeat of vital organs requires glucocorticosteroid therapy with hormones.
A rapidly progressing course is treated with short courses of intravenous administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. In cases where therapy is powerless, plasmapheresis (blood purification) is carried out. At a severe stage of lung injury, organ transplants are required. The course of the disease and the outcome of treatment are mostly favorable, you just need not start the process.
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