Gastric sarcoidosis

Abstract

Introduction Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease with a 90% predilection for the lungs, but any organ can be involved. Gastric sarcoidosis may be a component of a generalized process, while isolated gastric sarcoidosis is very rare.

Case Outline We describe a rare case of biopsy-proven gastric sarcoidosis in a 45-year-old woman with pulmonary sarcoidosis in remission, and highlight the importance of gastroscopy and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Her optimal response to anti-acid therapy required no alternate (glucocorticoid) therapy. We briefly review the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of gastric sarcoidosis.

Conclusion Glucocorticoids remain the cornerstone of the sarcoidosis treatment, although it has been insufficiently documented by clinical trials. The decision to treat sarcoid patients with systemic glucocorticoids is largely based upon the severity of symptoms. The anti-acid therapy may be an alternative in milder cases, as demonstrated in our patient.

Keywords: sarcoidosis; stomach diseases; granuloma