Post-partum recurrent sarcoidosis associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Immunologic abnormalities observed in sarcoidosis may suggest a link between this affection and autoimmune endocrine diseases. Indeed a high frequency of autoimmune thyroid diseases is observed in sarcoidosis. However association of type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with sarcoidosis is rare. We report the case of a type 1 diabetic woman in whom clinical and biological signs of sarcoidosis appeared after her first pregnancy with a relapse in the post-partum period of a second pregnancy. Diagnosis of sarcoidosis was established on characteristic cutaneous, articular and pulmonary manifestations associated with elevated plasma levels of angiotensin converting enzyme. From this case, association between type 1 diabetes mellitus and sarcoidosis has been discussed as well as reciprocal relationship between sarcoidosis and pregnancy. Since familial history of sarcoidosis was present in this case, familial aspects of sarcoidosis have also been reviewed.