Abstract
The peripheral airway in the presence of sarcoidosis was examined by means of bronchiolar fiberscopes, 1.8mm∅ and 1.6mm∅ in outer diameter, that we have developed. Endoscopic examination was conducted at all stages, I through III, according to chest roentgenographs. Marked changes were observed in stage II. Among the endoscopic findings, the incidence of erythema was greatest, followed by vascular swelling, vascular occlusion, irregular surface of the bronchial mucosa, edema of the bronchial mucosa, dilatation of the bronchial mucosa and elevated bronchial mucosa, in that order.
To detect lesions by endoscopy is easier than by selective alveolar bronchoscopy. For the accurate diagnosis of a sarcoidosis-induced disturbance in the peripheral airway, endoscopic examination which provides observation of the mucosal surface of the bronchiole under direct vision is necessary. Endoscopic examination seems to represent a basic examination for analyzing the pathologic conditions of sarcoidosis.
