Sarcoid is a multisystemic disease of unknown etiology which results in noncaseating granulomas found throughout various organ systems including the osseous structures. This process occurs approximately ten times more frequently within the black population with an increased female predominance.

Distribution:
The hands are the most common site of osseous involvement. The middle and distal phalanges and less frequently the proximal phalanges and metatacarpals may show changes associated with sarcoidosis. Involvement at the wrist occurs much less frequently.

Radiographic Appearance:
An abnormal trabecular lace-like pattern of destruction can often be seen at the phalanges and metacarpals of the hands. Cystic changes and osseous destructive lesions may also be evident. Acro-osteosclerosis with the radiographic appearance of terminal phlangeal sclerosis is not specific; however, it has been reported in up to half of the patients with skeletal abnormalities of sarcoidosis. Soft tissue swelling, and inflammatory skin nodules (erythema nodosum) are occasionally noted. If the wrist is involved, cystic changes and lytic lesions may be present.

Differential Diagnosis:

The abnormal trabecular pattern of destruction at the hands is fairly characteristic of sarcoidosis. If osseous destruction is present at the distal phalanges, the appearance may be similar to findings associated with scleroderma. However, scleroderma has fairly characteristic associated soft tissue findings which distinguish it from sarcoidosis.

 


 

 

Introduction
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Gout
Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease
Hemochromatosis
Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis
Sarcoidosis
Scleroderma
Silastic Arthritis
Septic Arthritis
Summary
References