Sarcoidosis Presenting as an Intraperitoneal Mass

Background: Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic, inflammatory condition primarily encountered within the lungs but very rarely identified in the peritoneum. Case Study: A 34-year-old woman presented with pleural effusion, ascites and an adnexal mass, indicative of ovarian cancer. Results: A biopsy revealed...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: John V. Brown III, Howard D. Epstein, Miles Chang, Bram H. Goldstein
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Karger Publishers 2010-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Oncology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/271596
Description
Summary:Background: Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic, inflammatory condition primarily encountered within the lungs but very rarely identified in the peritoneum. Case Study: A 34-year-old woman presented with pleural effusion, ascites and an adnexal mass, indicative of ovarian cancer. Results: A biopsy revealed granulomas and lymphocytic infiltrate, consistent with sarcoidosis. The patient’s symptoms were resolved with corticosteroids. However, 2 years later, she developed another pelvic mass and underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. Final pathology revealed granulomas and endometriosis, consistent with sarcoidosis. Conclusion: Since intraperitoneal sarcoidosis is extremely rare, the differential diagnosis is unlikely to include this condition in the context of presumptive ovarian cancer. However, in patients with a history of sarcoidosis, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion to effectuate early detection and provide appropriate treatment.
ISSN:1662-6575