Can children develop sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis in children is rare, but it may occur. Children over age 4 have findings that are similar to sarcoidosis in the adult. Lymph nodes in the lung (hilar region) occur in over 95% of children and 50% of them have sarcoidosis of the lung. Sarcoidosis before the age of 4 years is rare and is characterized differently than among older children and adults. A triad of rash, eye inflammation and arthritis without lung involvement is characteristic of sarcoidosis in these young children. Diagnostic approach and treatment is similar to that for adults. For the most part, the outcome of sarcoidosis in children is favorable, in 15% to 20%. There may be sustained damage from the disease.
