Sarcoidosis and Saddle Nose Deformity

Sarcoidosis is one of many autoimmune diseases in which the body responds to a substance, often unknown, and begins to attack healthy tissues. Development of saddle nose because of sarcoidosis is not very common, but it does happen on rare occasions.

Symptoms of Sarcoidosis

There are various symptoms associated with this disease. The manifestation of symptoms depends on the organs in the body that are affected by the disease. In general, signs of the disease often begin with the same symptoms of myriad other conditions:

• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Weight loss
• Swelling in the ankles and other joints
• Joint pain

Other symptoms may show up in the lungs, on the skin, in the eyes and heart.

Risk Factors

This condition can affect anyone, but people between the ages of 20 and 60 seem most susceptible. Race is another factor, with people of African descent and Northern European descent having a higher incidence than other races. Sarcoidosis often affects other organs along with the lungs of African American patients. This condition also seems to follow family lines. Women are somewhat more likely than men to develop the disease.

Complications Associated with Sarcoidosis

Although there are cases where the disease will go away on its own, it may also last for years. Many people do well with minimal or no treatment while others may experience organ damage.

A small number of patients with sarcoidosis will have involvement of the nasal mucosa and develop saddle nose as a result of the disease. Nasal crusting and congestion are symptoms of the disease attacking the nose. In some situations, the saddle nose caused sarcoidosis may be confused with that caused by relapsing polychondritis. Both share similar clinical features.

Other complications can affect various parts of the body: lungs, which can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring of lung tissue. Inflammation of the disease can affect the eye and cause damage to the retina. Kidney stones can develop, reducing kidney function. The heart rhythm and function can be disrupted by granulomas in the heart. If facial nerves become inflamed, facial paralysis can develop.

Even though it is rare that sarcoidosis affects the nose, it is still important to have symptoms checked by a qualified doctor so the underlying condition can be identified and treated. Dr. Maurice Khosh specializes in nose reconstruction and rhinoplasty for patients with saddle nose deformities. If you have a nasal bridge collapse caused by sarcoidosis or some other condition, contact Dr. Khosh for a consultation appointment and learn of your options for restoring the shape and function of your nose.