TB Research

Systemic sarcoidosis in a TB-endemic region: diagnostic role of linear endobronchial ultrasound mediastinal lymph node cryobiopsy and stepwise management approach.

Sze Kye Teoh, Ching Bing Jordan Hoo, Noor Afidah Abdullah, Sze Shyang Kho

BMJ case reports · 2026-01

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease that can mimic tuberculosis (TB) or lymphoma, particularly in endemic regions. We report a man in his late 50s with chronic cough, weight loss and systemic features whose CT showed mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy with splenic lesions. Histology from endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial cryobiopsy revealed non-caseating granulomas, confirming sarcoidosis and excluding TB and malignancy. He responded well to corticosteroids with methotrexate as a steroid-sparing agent. This case emphasises the diagnostic challenge of sarcoidosis in TB-endemic regions and highlights the added value of cryobiopsy in obtaining adequate tissue for diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Lymph Nodes
  • Mediastinum
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Lymphadenopathy
  • Methotrexate