Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2010; 118(3): 147-150
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1087179
Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Sarcoidosis Following Cushing's Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

S. Schaefer1 , S. Meyer1 , C. C. Brueck1 , M. Weber2 , D. Luedecke3 , H. J. Wagner4 , P. H. Kann1
  • 1Division of Endocrinology & Diabetology, Philipps University Marburg
  • 2Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz
  • 3Clinics for Neurosurgery, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf
  • 4Department of Radiology, Philipps University Marburg
Further Information

Publication History

received 12.12.2007 first decision 14.02.2008

accepted 20.08.2008

Publication Date:
16 February 2010 (online)

Abstract

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excessive elevation of glucocorticoid concentrations. In rare cases, the treatment of Cushing's syndrome may result in unmasking or aggravation of diseases responsive to glucocorticoid medication. We report two cases of sarcoidosis following Cushing's syndrome. A 43 year-old male developed cutaneous sarcoidosis and mediastinal lymphadenopathy after resection of an ACTH-secreting pituitary microadenoma. A 32 year-old female showed cutaneous sarcoidosis, arthralgia, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and elevation of angiotensin-converting enzyme and interleukin 2-receptor concentrations after traumatic adrenal bleeding, which ceased formerly undiagnosed hypercortisolism caused by an adrenal adenoma. Sarcoidosis seems to be a rare sequel following the treatment of hypercortisolism. Skin affections were present and suggestive for the diagnosis in all reported cases. As some cases are probably missed when skin affections are lacking, a more frequent evaluation of patients after Cushing's syndrome for the possible diagnosis of sarcoidosis might be necessary.

References

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Correspondence

S. SchaeferMD 

Division of Endocrinology & Diabetology

Philipps-University Hospital Marburg

Baldingerstraße

35033 Marburg

Phone: +49/6421/286 31 35

Fax: +49/6421/286 27 33

Email: stscha@med.uni-marburg.de