Abstract
Objectives. Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic inflammatory disease with
extrathoracic manifestations, most commonly affecting the young and
middle-aged, female and black populations. Diagnosis usually requires
evidence of non-caseating granulomata and, when treated, prognosis is
usually favourable. We aim to establish the incidence, clinical features
and optimal treatment of ENT manifestations of this disease. Design. We
performed a review of the literature to determine the evidence-base
supporting this. Results. ENT manifestations are present in 10-15% of
patients with sarcoidosis, often as a presenting feature, and require
vigilance for swift recognition and coordinated additional treatment
specific to the organ. Laryngeal sarcoidosis presents with difficulty in
breathing, dysphonia and cough, and may be treated by Speech and
Language Therapy (SLT) or intralesional injection, dilatation or tissue
reduction. Nasal disease presents with crusting, rhinitis, nasal
obstruction and anosmia, usually without sinus involvement. It is
treated by topical nasal or intralesional treatments but may also
require endoscopic sinus surgery, laser treatment or even nasal
reconstruction. Otological disease is uncommon but includes
audiovestibular symptoms, both sensorineural and conductive hearing
loss, and skin lesions. Conclusions. The consequences of ENT
manifestations of sarcoidosis can be uncomfortable, disabling and even
life threatening. Effective management strategies require good
diagnostic skills and use of specific therapies combined with
established treatments such as corticosteroids. Comparisons of treatment
outcomes are needed to establish best practice in this area.