A case series of five patients with hepatic sarcoidosis diagnosed by liver biopsy

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is typically characterized by the presence of lesions in the lungs, heart, eyes, and skin. However, in some cases, lesions have also been found in the liver. Although the diagnosis of hepatic sarcoidosis is difficult, liver biopsy can occasionally offer a definite diagnosis when blood test results indicate liver dysfunction of an unknown etiology. We encountered five cases of hepatic sarcoidosis at our hospital that were diagnosed based on liver dysfunction and compared these cases with previously reported cases. In our case series, hepatic sarcoidosis was predominantly diagnosed in middle-aged women, and biliary enzymes were elevated in most cases. Corticosteroids, ursodeoxycholic acid, or both were used for treatment. Despite the application of these therapies, some patients progressed to showing cirrhosis or even died. Thus, in cases with severe hepatitis, steroid therapy may not be effective and cirrhosis may develop. Moreover, the findings suggest that ursodeoxycholic acid can help in delaying the progression of hepatic sarcoidosis.