[Sarcoidosis localized in endocrine glands].

BACKGROUND

There is a relationship between sarcoidosis and endocrine diseases: hypothalamus, hypophysis, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland and calcium metabolism disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurological disorders, obesity, secondary hypogonadism, and thirst as a result of diabetes insipidus, dominate the clinical picture of hypothalanmic sarcoidosis. Diseases of adenohypophysis present with gonadotropic insufficiency and prolactin increase. They may cause disorders in menstruation and ovulation. Disorders of neurohypophysis manifest with moderate polyuria and polydipsia. Disorders of thyroid gland function in systemic sarcoidosis present with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis. Sarcoidosis of the parathyroid gland is rare. Sarcoidosis of adrenal cortex may cause primary insufficiency of the suprarenal gland The secondary insufficiency of the suprarenal gland is caused by hypothalamic and pituitary sarcoidosis. In sarcoidosis, calcium metabolism disorder and hypercalcemia are frequent. Vitamin 1.25(OH)2D has an important role since it is increasingly produced in renal and extra renal regions. Hypercalcemia leads to hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis, while the level of parathyroid hormone usually decreases. Increased levels of serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) are also important markers in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical manifestations of endocrine disorders depend on the localization of sarcoid lesions. The treatment of disorders is directed to the treatment of structure and functional disorders of glands involved, as well as to sarcoidosis. Successful treatment of sarcoidosis may cause regression of granulomatous lesions in the involved glands.