Localized granulomatosis with polyangiitis (loc-GPA) is a milder disease state of GPA restricted to the respiratory tract. Transition from localized form to systemic/generalized disease is predicted to occur in approximately 10% of the patients. We report an unusual case of loc-GPA involving multiple cranial nerves, which in 3 years progressed into systemic disease involving pituitary gland. Initially antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was negative, but as symptoms of diabetes insipidus started, ANCA became positive. Clinical course of ANCA negative loc-GPA should be carefully monitored for development of systemic disease. ANCA may be a useful marker for detecting transition from localized to systemic disease.
Sarcoidosis is a multi-organ disease with various clinical manifestations. The lung is the most common site of manifestation; however, unusual findings may delay the correct diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Here we report a case of 32-year-old man with 4-month history of neck mass. Radiological findings revealed multiple pulmonary parenchymal nodules, with initial biopsy results of his neck lymph node showing chronic granuloma with focal necrosis. The patient was treated with anti-tuberculosis medications, but the size of the nodules did not change. Biopsy was performed from one of his pulmonary nodules, which revealed chronic granuloma without necrosis. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. We present a case of sarcoidosis with multiple lung parenchymal nodules that is uncommon in Korea, with an aim to alert physicians of such unusual presentations.
Gastric sarcoidosis is a rare disease accounting for 0.1~0.9% of all sarcoidosis cases. It presents either as a systemic disease or as an isolated finding. Diagnosis is established with biopsy of a lesion. It is important to distinguish between sarcoidosis and a sarcoid-like reaction, which can be caused by Crohn's disease, foreign body reaction, fungal infection, tuberculosis, or malignancy. We report a 60-year-old woman with both gastric and pulmonary sarcoidosis.
Granuloma annulare is a chronic, benigh, degenerative dermatosis, usually developes on the dorsum of hand or foot. A case is reported of localized granuloma annulare on the both ear helices of a 21-year-old male with no history of precipitating causes, including trauma, insect bite, diabetes mellitus, or rheumatoid arthritis. The histology was typical palisading granulomas. Auricular granuloma annulare is rare. A brief review of the pathogenesis and literature is presented.