Gender Differences in Symptoms of Sarcoidosis

Aim: Sarcoidosis is known as the ‘great imitator’ for its versatile manifestations which differ among genders. The objective of this study is to investigate the signs and symptoms and differences in respect to gender and phases of disease. Material and Methods: This cohort study includes patients with sarcoidosis classified as asymptomatic, with pulmonary symptoms only, extrapulmonary symptoms only and those with both together. The frequency, prevalence, and severity of the signs and symptoms were compared between gender identities. Results: This study enrolled 338 patients, of which 71% were female, and mean age was 42.5±11.6. Most patients (86%) were symptomatic on presentation, and pulmonary symptoms were noted in 31%, extrapulmonary symptoms in 23% and both in 32%. There were no significant differences between genders regarding cough (45% in women, 42% in men, p=0.620), sputum (9%, 11%, respectively, p=0.535), hemoptysis (2%, 1%, respectively, p=0.678), fever (4%, 4%, respectively, p=0.999). Dyspnea was reported significantly more common in women (33% and 22%, respectively, p=0.048) whilst chest pain was more common in men (7%, and %20 respectively, p=0.001). Excessive perspiration was significantly more common in men, and erythema nodosum in women (p=0.004 and p=0.003, respectively). Frequencies of constitutional symptoms other than perspiration did not differ between sexes. Conclusion: Women with sarcoidosis were older than men and dyspnea and erythema nodosum were seen more commonly in women. Frequencies of other symptoms were similar between sexes