Definition – What is Löfgren’s Syndrome?
Löfgren’s syndrome is a term for the acute form of the multisystemic disease sarcoidosis. Löfgren’s syndrome is common in women between the ages of twenty and forty. Those affected suffer from characteristic triad of symptoms, including polyarthritis, erythema nodosum (inflammation of the subcutaneous fatty tissue) and bihilary lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes on both sides of the lung root). Since Löfgren’s syndrome often heals spontaneously, therapy is not always necessary. Before continuing with this article, we recommend that you take a brief look at the main topic of “sarcoidosis” and the accompanying symptoms mentioned above:
- Sarcoidosis – symptoms, causes and therapy
- Polyarthritis
Causes of Löfgren’s syndrome
The cause for the development of Löfgren’s syndrome is not yet known. It is known that a systemic disorder exists in which certain immune cells, the T-helper cells, are disturbed in their function, while B-lymphocytes show increased activity. The immunological overactivity causes the formation of granulomas, nodular tissue alterations, in different organs.
Furthermore, there is a connection with certain HLA-antigens. This means that a genetic predisposition is possible. Furthermore, environmental factors are present which seem to favour the development of sarcoidosis.
These include work in agriculture and in the metal processing industry. The impairment of the immune system can have numerous reasons. In order to find out about them, it is advisable to read the following articles:
- How does the immune system work?
- Autoimmune diseases – What are they?
- How can you strengthen the immune system?
I recognize Löfgren’s syndrome from these symptoms
Acute sarcoidosis, Löfgren’s syndrome, consists of characteristic symptom triad. Those affected suffer from erythema nodosum, arthritis and bihilary lymphadenopathy. Erythema nodosum is a pressure painful, nodular skin change that initially appears reddish and later bluish.
Are you more interested in this topic? You can read more detailed information in our next article: Sarcoidosis of the skin – causes, symptoms and therapy Arthritis mainly affects the ankle joints and causes severe pain when walking. Bihilary lymphadenopathy describes a finding that can be seen in X-rays or computer tomography.
There, an enlargement of the lymph nodes in the area of the lung chili, i.e. in the areas of the main bronchi and large vascular roads of the lung, becomes apparent. The patients also suffer from general symptoms such as fever, poor performance, loss of appetite and fatigue. Detailed information on the symptoms, also in relation to sarcoidosis, can be found on our main page: Symptoms of Sarcoidosis
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