Endosonography vs Conventional Bronchoscopy for the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unclear etiology, with an estimated lifetime risk of 1% to 2%.¹ The incidence of sarcoidosis in the United States is high, with up to 40 cases per 100 000, and sarcoidosis-related mortality is increasing.^2,3 The disease is characterized by tissue accumulation of noncaseating granulomas and affects the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes in almost all patients.⁴