SARCOIDOSIS - CHEST RADIOGRAPH SCREENING OF FAMILIAL CONTACTS

On the basis of the hypothesis that sarcoidosis might be a transmissib le disease, we thought a study of the familial contacts of known cases , as is done in tuberculosis, might reveal asymptomatic cases. In orde r to assess the efficiency of chest radiographs in detecting asymptoma tic sarcoidosis in such contacts, we carried out a cross-sectional stu dy. The population studied consisted of 66 index cases of sarcoidosis who were self-selected by their agreeing to take part in the study. Cr iteria were established with regard to the size of the family to be st udied, along with three grades of intensity in the relationship betwee n the index cases and their respective contacts. 976 familial contacts over 14 years of age, from grandparents to grandchildren of the index cases were identified, including nonconsanguineous contacts. 496 clos e contacts were asked to take part in the survey. Among these contacts there were 2 with a previous sarcoidosis, a prevalence of 4/1,000. 23 9 of these 496 contacts agreed to radiograph screening. Among those sc reened, no new cases of sarcoidosis were detected. We concluded that a t present in our environment, with a low incidence and good prognosis, routine screening of relatives is not indicated. Nevertheless, longit udinal epidemiological studies designed to ascertain the pattern of tr ansmission of the disease and including chest radiograph screening in a population with a high incidence of the disease could be of interest .