Clinical features:
(1) The patient has a past history of sarcoidosis.
(2) The patient is free of symptoms related to sarcoid prior to starting interferon therapy.
(3) After starting interferon therapy the patient develops symptoms of sarcoidosis.
(4) The serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) level is elevated.
(5) The sarcoidosis remits upon discontinuation of the interferon therapy.
(6) There is no better explanation for the patient's signs and symptoms.
The clinical findings of sarcoidosis may overlap with clinical side effects of the interferon, including cough, low-grade fever and anorexia.
Many patients can continue therapy provided that the sarcoidosis does not involve a critical organ and that the clinical manifestations can be tolerated by the patient.
If the sarcoidosis becomes problematic, then the patient may:
(1) receive corticosteroids.
(2) have the interferon therapy discontinued.
