Sarcoidosis and denim sandblasting: a case report

In this case report we present a rare case of sarcoidosis associated with denim sandblasting. A 33-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with pain in his shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hips, which had started 5 months earlier. His medical history showed that he had been working in denim sandblasting for the last 4 years. Sacroiliac compression and FABER tests were both positive. Laboratory analysis reported an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 43 mm/h and serum C-reactive protein of 11 mg/dL. Bilateral hilar and mediastinal multiple lymph nodes of about 2 cm and bilateral parenchymal nodular opacities were observed in the lungs upon computerized tomography. The serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level was 190.10 U/L and 24-h urine Ca was 370.5 mg. We diagnosed sarcoidosis in the patient and we began a steroid therapy of 30 mg/day. Improvements were observed in the patient at the clinic during the following 3-month period. A reduction was identified in the size and number of mediastinal lymph nodes in the follow-up tomography.