Sarcoidosis accompanied by pleural effusion and multiple bronchial stenoses

Diffuse parenchymal infiltrates in lower lung fields, right pleural effusion, multiple bronchial stenoses and hepatosplenomegaly were observed in a 30-year-old woman with iritis. Pleural effusion was a yellow exudate which was predominantly lymphocytic. A pulmonary function test showed an obstructive pattern, and multiple bronchial stenoses were observed on bronchoscopy. Both transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and bronchial mucosal biopsy failed in demonstrating non-caseating granulomas, but liver biopsy revealed granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. This is a very rare case, in which pleural effusion and bronchial stenoses occurred in the same patient.