INFANTILE SARCOIDOSIS - REPORT OF A CASE

A case of sarcoidosis is reported in a 17-month-old infant with neurological, cutaneous, and pulmonary manifestations; laboratory evidence of inflammation; and hypercalcemia. The outcome was favorable after nine months under corticosteroid therapy. Sarcoidosis in patients under four years of age is not as rare as generally believed. Specific features of sarcoidosis in children and infants are discussed. Concomitant occurrence of a maculopapular rash, arthritis, and uveitis is seen almost only in children younger than four years. Lung involvement is rare in infants but common in older children. Sarcoidosis should be considered in pediatric patients with multisystem disease. Histologic confirmation of the diagnosis should be obtained.