SARCOIDOSIS OF BILATERAL PAROTID GLAND - DIAGNOSED ON FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY

A case of Sarcoidosis, presented initially as bilateral parotid gland enlargement and diagnosed on FNAC is discussed here. Smears showed noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas and few atrophic salivary gland acini. AFB staining of the aspirate smears were negative and no caseous necrosis was seen. After excluding other granulomatous lesions, a differential diagnosis of Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis was suggested. The Serum ACE levels were elevated and x ray chest showed hilar lymphadenopathy. The patient also had xerostomia and xerophthalmia of right eye. The diagnosis of Sarcoidosis was confirmed based on these findings. FNAC, therefore, may be considered a useful diagnostic modality in cases of sarcoidosis presenting primarily with parotid involvement.