Interferon-induced sarcoidosis

J Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Oct;12(5):241-8. doi: 10.1097/01.rhu.0000240035.67652.9d.

Abstract

Rheumatologists are increasingly asked to see patients with hepatitis C who exhibit a variety of clinical and serologic features that mimic systemic rheumatic disease. Treatment with interferons, now the standard of care, can precipitate a variety of inflammatory conditions, including sarcoidosis. We present a case of a 59-year-old former intravenous drug user who developed systemic sarcoidosis while receiving interferon alpha and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Because interferons are increasingly prescribed by specialists in a variety of disciplines, rheumatologists should be aware of their potential to induce sarcoidosis as well as various autoimmune diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Ribavirin / therapeutic use
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / chemically induced*
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / pathology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Ribavirin