Sarcoidosis associated with interferon-α therapy for chronic hepatitis C

Recombinant interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is widely used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Pulmonary side effects of IFN-alpha therapy seem to be rare. So far, only a few cases of sarcoidosis in association with IFN-a treatment of chronic hepatitis C have been reported. A 52-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C developed sarcoidosis during treatment with IFN-alpha. Diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on chest imaging studies, the increased serum angiotensin converting enzyme levels, and the histology of a biopsied cervical lymph node. Spontaneous remission was observed following IFN-alpha withdrawal. Use of recombinant IFN-alpha in patients with chronic hepatitis C may trigger or contribute to the development of sarcoidosis in susceptible individuals. Patients should be monitored during and following IFN-alpha therapy for the occurrence of manifestations suggesting sarcoidosis.