Löfgren's syndrome is a symmetrical enlargement of the basal bronchopulmonary nodes of the lymphatic system on both sides. The disease is accompanied by skin manifestations (erythema nodosum), high body temperature and arthralgia. These symptoms are characteristic of sarcoidosis.
This disease affects different organs - lungs, spleen, lymph nodes. Löfgren's syndrome with sarcoidosis is not transmitted and is not an infectious pathology. Do not confuse the disease with oncological processes and tuberculosis.
Clinical picture
Sarcoidosis was a rare disease for quite a long time, but today the picture has changed, the pathology is spreading at a high speed throughout the world. According to statistics, women from 20 to 40 years old suffer the most from Löfgren's syndrome, but the disease can come to anyone.
It can be asymptomatic, gradual or acute. An asymptomatic clinic, as a rule, is detected by chance during a preventive fluorographic examination. The most common is the gradual course and development of the disease with the following signs:
- shortness of breath on exertion;
- stupidchest pain;
- pain between shoulder blades;
- dry cough;
- subfebrile temperature;
- fatigue and weakness;
- excessive sweating;
- loss of appetite;
- pain in the joints, in the lower back.
The acute course of sarcoidosis is called Löfgren's syndrome and is accompanied by fever up to 38-39 °C, joint pain, skin lesions in the form of erythema, chest pain and shortness of breath. There are frequent cases in the acute course of a complete recovery of a person without the use of drug therapy and other intervention.
Etiology of disease
Until the end of medicine, the causes of this pathology are unknown, it is likely that the following factors can provoke its development:
- infection, tuberculosis microbacteria, hepatitis C virus;
- adverse external factors, metal dust inhalation;
- smoking, which is not the root cause, but significantly complicates the course of the disease;
- heredity.
Prevention of sarcoidosis
It is important for patients with Löfgren's syndrome to stop smoking in order to speed up recovery. It is necessary to examine the organs of the chest every 2 years. Taking into account that the etiology of the disease is not fully known, the principles of preventive measures have not been developed. Experts recommend avoiding contact with metal dust and foci of infectious infections.
Löfgren's syndrome in sarcoidosis is detected by the following extrapulmonary localization of the process -damage to the subcutaneous tissue, skin and peripheral lymph nodes. There is an increase in the cervical, subclavian, axillary and inguinal nodes. In some cases, the lymph nodes in the abdomen are affected.
The bones and the central nervous system are affected much less frequently, but this course of the disease is more severe. Sarcoidosis of the heart occurs in 20-30% of cases and is asymptomatic. The left side of the heart decreases in volume, the right ventricle increases.
Early examination and treatment give chances for a favorable outcome. In another case, changes in the lung tissue appear, which ultimately leads to disability.
Löfgren's syndrome: an acute variant of sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is often confused with tuberculosis due to the similarity of symptoms. A thorough examination is required here, because the causes and therapy are different. In no case should you treat yourself, especially taking drugs intended for patients with tuberculosis, this can lead to death.
Löfgren's syndrome (a classic example) is when the patient's general condition is satisfactory. Changes in the skin are observed. May appear:
- papules and plaques;
- lupus pernio;
- keloid scars;
- infiltrates;
- erythema nodosum;
- SKD and SKB Beck's sarcoid;
- multiple dense nodes in the subcutaneous tissue.
Diagnosis
Examination of patients with the syndromeLöfgren is to conduct x-rays. Computed tomography is used as a clarifying method. A biochemical and general blood test is carried out.
The goal of treatment is to suppress the inflammatory process. The most effective way is the use of corticosteroids for six months. When vital organs are affected, glucocorticosteroid hormone therapy is required.
The rapidly progressive course is treated with short courses of intravenous anti-inflammatory drugs. In cases where therapy is powerless, plasmapheresis (blood purification) is performed. At a severe stage of lung damage, an organ transplant is required. The course of the disease and the outcome of treatment are mostly favorable, you just need not start the process.
