Large coalescent parenchymal nodules in pulmonary sarcoidosis: "sarcoid galaxy" sign.
Nakatsu M, Hatabu H, Morikawa K, Uematsu H, Ohno Y, Nishimura K, Nagai S, Izumi T, Konishi J, Itoh H.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the large parenchymal nodules in pulmonary sarcoidosis and to describe a new CT sign termed the "sarcoid galaxy." CONCLUSION: The CT appearance of pulmonary sarcoidosis suggests that the large nodules arise from a coalescence of small nodules. The large nodules are surrounded by many tiny satellite nodules. These findings were considered to simulate the appearance of a galaxy. This observation was supported by radiologic-pathologic correlation. The sarcoid galaxy sign may be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis.