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How Common is Hepatic Sarcoidosis?

Am J Gastroenterol; 2017 Oct; Ungprasert, et al

A small percentage of patients with sarcoidosis also have liver involvement, but most of these patients are asymptomatic, according to a recent review of 345 cases.

  • Among 345 cases of sarcoidosis, 19 (6%) had liver involvement.
  • In most cases, the hepatic involvement was detected from abnormal lab test results and imaging studies and did not trigger any symptoms.
  • 88% of patients with liver involvement had elevated alkaline phosphatase levels.
  • 90% of those with liver involvement had high levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase.
  • 3 patients had hepatomegaly and 6 had hypodense nodular lesions.

Citation:

Ungprasert P, Crowson CS, Simonetto DA, Matteson EL. Clinical characteristics and outcome of hepatic sarcoidosis: A population-based study 1976–2013. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112:1556-1563. doi:10.1038/ajg.2017.231.