Abstract:

Common pathological features of both intrathoracic sarcoidosis and pulmonary tuberculosis are epithelioid granulomas, and the clinical manifestations of the two diseases are similar to some extent, which may lead to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. It is necessary to establish standardized identification and management procedures for the two diseases, especially in tuberculosis endemic areas. Therefore, the Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Committee of the Chinese Antituberculosis Association, Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Antituberculosis and Clinical Multidisciplinary Cooperation Working Group of the Radiology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association organized multidisciplinary experts to develop an Expert consensus on clinical differential diagnosis and treatment of intrathoracic sarcoidosis and pulmonary tuberculosis under the background of tuberculosis epidemic after combining clinical experiences and summarizing worldwide research results. The consensus provides the differentiation of the two diseases in terms of clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, bronchoscopy, pathological and etiological examinations. It also proposes a specific framework of confirming the diagnosis of challenging cases through multidisciplinary cooperation with specific procedures and steps. Meanwhile, target population for the screening of potential tuberculosis infection amongst sarcoidosis patients are determined. Additionally, recommendations are given on the treatment and management of latent tuberculosis infection, so as to provide accurate treatment and improve the prognosis of patients.

Key words: Sarcoidosis, Tuberculosis, pulmonary, Diagnosis, differential, Consensus development conferences as topic