Can Coronavirus Disease 2019 Induce Sarcoidosis: A Case Report

• Published in: Thoracic research and practice 2023-01, Vol.24 (1), p.45-58
• Main Authors: Racil, Hajer, Znegui, Tasnim, Maazoui, Sarra, Touil, Amany, Habibech, Sonia, Henda, Neji, Chaouch, Nawel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Report
• ISSN: 2979-9139
• DOI: 10.5152/ThoracResPract.2023.22076

Since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019, a large spectrum of clinical manifestations following this acute viral infection has been reported especially autoimmune manifestations and inflammatory disorders. However, a causal link has not yet been established. Herein, we reported a case of pulmonary mediastinal sarcoidosis following coronavirus disease 2019 infection. A 41-year-old woman with no clinical or radiographic symptoms or signs of sarcoidosis prior to coronavirus disease 2019 infection developed dyspnea, cough, and fatigue, a few months after discharge. A chest thoracic scan performed 3 months after hospital discharge showed regression of groundglass opacities with the appearance of pulmonary micronodules. Clinical examination and spirometry were normal. The evolution was marked by progressive worsening of dyspnea and significant weight loss. A chest thoracic scan performed 6 months after discharge showed bilateral and symmetrical hilar and mediastinal and paratracheal lymphadenopathy. Bronchoalveolar lavage with cell count showed a lymphocytosis of 19.5% and a CD4/CD8 T cell ratio of 2.2. Endobronchial lung biopsy revealed noncaseating epithelioid granulomas. Sputum culture excluded tuberculosis. The diagnosis of pulmonary-mediastinal sarcoidosis was made. She was treated with an oral corticosteroid. The patient showed significant improvement during the 3-month follow-up period. Post-coronavirus disease sarcoidosis is very rare. Complementary studies are needed to discern the link between these diseases.