[A case of familial sarcoidosis accompanied by Heerfordt syndrome with pericardial effusion].

We found no cases of familial sarcoidosis with Heerfordt syndrome in the literature. A 25-year-old woman presented with high grade fever and parotid gland swelling in April 2004. An accompany with Right peripheral facial palsy developed in June, following which she was treated with corticosteroid therapy for 7 days, and her condition temporarily improved. Four months later she came to our hospital complaining of glare, then uveitis was diagnosed. She was referred to our department for work-up for treatment of sarcoidosis in January 2005. TBLB/BALF findings by bronchoscopy for definitive diagnosis were compatible with sarcoidosis. Various clinical symptoms indicated Heerfordt syndrome. Interestingly, pericardial effusion was also detected. In addition, her sister also suffers from sarcoidosis. Our patient had a favorable response to oral corticosteroid therapy (PSL 30 mg/day), gradually tapered 2.5-5 mg every 4 weeks, then stopped at the eighth month after commencing therapy. However, pulmonary lesions have relapsed 3 years after the discontinuation of the therapy. It is well known that relapses can happen when corticosteroids are used, and we should consider the progression of this disease and the indications of further treatment in this case.