To present a case of unilateral hilar sarcoidosis that mimicked malignancy and to discuss associated systemic inflammatory markers.
Approach:
Case Presentation: A 53-year-old woman with fever, chest tightness, and a left hilar mass underwent diagnostic procedures including EBUS-TBNA, which initially yielded non-diagnostic results. Repeat sampling confirmed non-caseating granulomatous inflammation.
Key Findings:
Unilateral hilar sarcoidosis can mimic malignancy or infection.
Initial EBUS-TBNA may be non-diagnostic; repeat multi-station sampling can improve diagnostic yield.
The patient exhibited anemia interpreted as mixed absolute iron deficiency and inflammation-related iron restriction, along with low T3 syndrome.
Interpretation:
The case highlights the diagnostic challenges of unilateral hilar sarcoidosis and the importance of considering systemic inflammatory markers in the diagnostic process.
Limitations:
The case is a single report and may not be generalizable.
The presence of anemia and low T3 syndrome should not be regarded as central diagnostic features.
Conclusion:
Continued follow-up is warranted to monitor the clinical course of sarcoidosis and associated conditions.
