Urological manifestations of sarcoidosis

J Urol. 2012 Jan;187(1):18-24. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2011.09.057. Epub 2011 Nov 16.

Abstract

Purpose: We describe the urological manifestations of sarcoidosis and how the disease may affect the management of multiple urological conditions.

Materials and methods: We performed a PubMed® search using the query sarcoidosis and multiple urological terms.

Results: Sarcoidosis is a disease that has variable manifestations. There is often genitourinary involvement that is clinically silent. However, sarcoidosis may cause symptoms, such as nephrolithiasis, which are sometimes the first manifestation of the disease. Renal function may be affected, and appropriate recognition and treatment may avert progressive functional decline. The presence of sarcoidosis may also confound the diagnosis and staging of various urological malignancies, particularly renal and testicular carcinoma.

Conclusions: Urologists should be aware of the urological manifestations of sarcoidosis to avoid misdiagnoses and the over staging of urological cancers, and to identify when it is an underlying cause of nephrolithiasis or obstructive uropathy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Male / etiology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / etiology
  • Male
  • Sarcoidosis / complications*
  • Urologic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Urologic Diseases / etiology*
  • Urologic Diseases / therapy