Sarcoidosis in Turkey: 1954–2000

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease of unknown etiology. The presentation and frequency of different organ involvement can vary according to race, geographical location and gender. Because of the multiorgan involvement and its mimicking nature, the diagnosis is usually a challenge, even to specialists. Therefore, knowledge of the epidemiologic features of the disease is important. METHODS: The first case report of sarcoidosis in Turkey was published in 1954. We obtained data from case series by hand searching of journals and congress abstract books on pulmonary medicine between 1954 and 2000. Series of 5 or more cases were included in our compilation of data. RESULTS: Data for 1327 patients with the diagnosis of sarcoidosis were obtained from 29 reports. There were nearly twice as many females as males with the disease in these case series. Most of the patients were at stage 1 or 2 at the time of diagnosis. Peripheral lymph node enlargement was reported in 119 patients, skin involvement in 22 and nervous system involvement in 12 patients. Erythema nodosum was reported in 137 patients. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme was elevated in 52% and the tuberculin skin test was positive in 24% of patients. Organ biopsies seemed to be the preferred diagnostic method in the initial papers while recent papers revealed the value of obtaining a bronchoscope biopsy. CONCLUSION: Despite several limitations of our study, this is the first compilation of 46 years of data on sarcoidosis in Turkey. Further studies on the geographical distribution and incidence and prevalence are needed for our country.