Splenomegaly in sarcoidosis.

The clinical records of 32 patients with sarcoidosis associated with splenomegaly were reviewed. The results of this study disclosed that when compared with a matched control population without splenomegaly, patients with splenomegaly had evidence of more extensive extrathoracic sarcoidosis. In contrast, there was no difference in the degree of pulmonary involvement between patients with or without splenomegaly. Of the 32 patients with splenomegaly, seven (20%) had evidence of hypersplenism and five (16%) had abdominal symptoms. These abnormalities occurred only in patients with greatly enlarged spleens. Considering splenomegaly, we suggest that corticosteroids are indicated in the management of only large spleens and not of smaller spleens, unless there are other specific indications.