Sarcoidosis may infrequently clinically involve the esophagus. Because of its infrequency delayed diagnosis is common.
Presentations may include:
(1) esophageal dysmotility and/or dysphagia
(2) esophageal stricture
(3) enlargement of paraesophageal lymph nodes
(4) B symptoms (fever, weight loss, etc)
If the patient has other manifestations of sarcoidosis, then the recognition is easier.
The diagnosis is made by identification of noncaseating granulomas in an esophageal biopsy and exclusion of alternative diagnoses.
The involvement may be coincidental to another esophageal disorder such as Barrett's esophagus or a cancer of the esophagus.
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Specialty: Gastroenterology
