Sarcoidosis in identical twins

Identical twin sisters who developed sarcoidosis at an interval of one year are reported. Case 1. (elder sister) A 22-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for examination of cervical lymph node swelling. Her chest roentgenogram showed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and the diagnosis was confirmed histologically by scalene node biopsy. Case 2. (younger sister) In 1987, at age 23, a routine chest roentgenogram showed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and the diagnosis was confirmed histologically by transbronchial lung biopsy. The occurrence of sarcoidosis in identical twins suggests that a genetic factor might be involved in the pathogenesis.