Lefgren's syndrome is a symmetrical increase in the basal bronchopulmonary nodes of the lymphatic system from two sides. The disease is accompanied by skin manifestations (erythema nodosum), high body temperature and arthralgia. Such symptoms are characteristic of sarcoidosis.
With this disease, various organs are affected - the lungs, spleen, lymph nodes. Lefgren's syndrome with sarcoidosis is not transmitted and is not an infectious pathology. Do not confuse the disease with oncological processes and tuberculosis.
Clinical picture
Sarcoidosis has been a rare disease for quite some time, but today the picture has changed, the pathology is spreading with great speed all over the world. According to statistics, women from 20 to 40 years old suffer the most from Lefgren's syndrome, but the disease can come to any person.
It can leak asymptomatically, gradually or in an acute form. An asymptomatic clinic, as a rule, is detected by chance at a preventive fluorographic examination. The most common is the gradual course and development of the disease with the following symptoms:
- shortness of breath during physical exertion;
- dull chest pain;
- pain between the shoulder blades ;
- dry cough;
- low-grade fever ;
- fatigue and weakness;
- excessive sweating;
- decreased appetite;
- joint pain, lower back.
The acute course of sarcoidosis is called Lefgren's syndrome, it is accompanied by fever up to 38-39 ° C, joint pain, skin lesions in the form of erythema, chest pain and shortness of breath. There are frequent cases in the acute course of a complete recovery of a person without the use of drug therapy and other intervention.
Etiology of the disease
Until the end of medicine, the causes of this pathology are unknown, it is likely that the following factors can provoke its development:
- infections, tuberculosis microbacteria, hepatitis C virus;
- adverse external factors, inhalation of metal dust;
- smoking, which is not the root cause, but significantly complicates the course of the disease;
- heredity.
Sarcoidosis Prevention
It is important for patients with Lefgren's syndrome to quit smoking in order to accelerate recovery. It is necessary to examine the organs of the chest once every 2 years. Taking into account that the etiology of the disease is not completely known, the principles of preventive measures are not developed. Experts recommend avoiding contact with metal dust and foci of infectious infections.
Lefgren's syndrome with sarcoidosis is detected by the following extrapulmonary localization of the process - damage to the subcutaneous tissue, skin and peripheral lymph nodes. There is an increase in the cervical, subclavian, axillary and inguinal nodes. In some cases, the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity are affected.
The bones and the central nervous system are affected much less frequently, but this course of the disease is more severe. Sarcoidosis of the heart occurs in 20-30% of cases and is asymptomatic. The left heart is reduced in volume, the right ventricle is enlarged.
Early examination and treatment give a chance to expect a favorable outcome. In another case, changes in lung tissue appear, which ultimately leads to disability.
Lefgren's syndrome: acute variant of sarcoidosis
Often, sarcoidosis is confused with tuberculosis due to the similarity of symptoms. A thorough examination is required here because the causes and therapies are different. In no case should you deal with treatment yourself, especially if you take medications intended for patients with tuberculosis, this can lead to death.
Lefgren's syndrome (a classic example) is when the general condition of the patient has a satisfactory rating. There are changes in the skin. Can appear:
- papules and plaques;
- chilled lupus;
- keloid scars;
- infiltrates;
- erythema nodosum;
- coarse and fine- knotted sarcoid Beck ;
- multiple dense nodes in the subcutaneous tissue.
Diagnostics
Examination of patients with Lefgren's syndrome consists of radiography. As a refinement method, computed tomography is used. A biochemical and general blood test is performed.
The goal of treatment is to suppress the inflammatory process. The most effective way is the use of corticosteroids for six months. With damage to vital organs, glucocorticosteroid hormone therapy is required.
A rapidly progressing course is treated with short courses of intravenous administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. In cases where therapy is powerless, plasmapheresis is performed (blood purification). In a severe stage of lung damage, an organ transplant is required. The course of the disease and the outcome of treatment are mostly favorable, you just need not to start the process.