Histoplasmosis presenting with joint pain and hilar adenopathy. "Pseudosarcoidosis"

Arthritis Rheum. 1982 Dec;25(12):1396-402. doi: 10.1002/art.1780251202.

Abstract

During 2 recent epidemics of histoplasmosis in Indianapolis, 7 patients with hilar adenopathy and joint complaints were identified who were initially considered to have sarcoidosis, but in whom histoplasmosis was ultimately diagnosed on the basis of a positive culture for Histoplasma capsulatum or serologic studies. Articular features were the sole presenting complaints in 3 of these patients. All had arthralgias, which were generalized or confined to the lower extremities and were additive rather than migratory. Only 1 patient had joint swelling. Two had erythema nodosum. In all but 1 patient, the articular symptoms resolved rapidly and completely with minimal therapy. The data emphasize that sarcoidosis is a diagnosis of exclusion and that granulomatous infectious diseases must be excluded in patients with hilar adenopathy and joint disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Histoplasmosis / complications
  • Histoplasmosis / diagnosis*
  • Histoplasmosis / microbiology
  • Histoplasmosis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy / diagnosis
  • Joint Diseases / drug therapy
  • Joint Diseases / physiopathology
  • Joints*
  • Lymphatic System / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain*
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*