Endosonography vs conventional bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis: the GRANULOMA randomized clinical trial
von Bartheld MB, Dekkers OM, Szlubowski A, Eberhardt R, Herth FJ, in 't Veen JC, de Jong YP, van der Heijden EH, Tournoy KG, Claussen M, van den Blink B, Shah PL, Zoumot Z, Clementsen P, Porsbjerg C, Mauad T, Bernardi FD, van Zwet EW, Rabe KF, Annema JT
For the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, identifying granulomas in affected tissue is preferred. This is done by extracting lymph node tissue in the lungs via a biopsy. In this article the investigators evaluated what is the best way to perform the biopsy: with endosonography or with bronchoscopy (which is standard care). The article describes that endosonography is the best way to perform biopsy. Furthermore it describes what kind of complications might be expected.
Plasma chitotriosidase and CCL18 as surrogate markers for granulomatous macrophages in sarcoidosis
Boot RG, Hollak CE, Verhoek M, Alberts C, Jonkers RE, Aerts JM
The diagnosis of sarcoidosis can be complex and therefore the diagnostic process must be improved. In this article we looked for markers in the blood that can have a role in the diagnosis but also in monitoring the disease activity. More specifically they investigated 'chitotriosidase' en 'CCL18'. These two markers show potential.