Viewer Question:

I have had Crohn's disease for 20+yrs. I just had my 3rd surgery in March and they did a liver biopsy and found granulomas on my liver. They think it might be due to prolonged use of prednisone. I read on MedicineNet that it could be sarcoidosis which is treated with prednisone. Is sarcoidosis related to Crohn's? Could it be related to prolonged use of prednisone? Is sarcoidosis dangerous? Is it curable? thanks so much for your help and concern.

Doctor's Response:

Granulomas are collections of cells that have gathered in small "clumps" in response to immunologic signals, often to attack foreign substances. They are small, and can be seen only by examination of tissue under the microscope. They can be found in almost any tissue in the body, including the liver, in infectious and non-infectious diseases and in reactions to medications. In fact, granulomas are seen in approximately 5% of all liver biopsies, and sarcoidosis is responsible for approximately half of the granulomas. The other 50% of granulomas are caused by a wide variety of conditions other than sarcoidosis. Crohn's disease is commonly associated with granulomas, and they may even be found in the liver. Prednisone is not one of the drugs associated with granulomas.

Thank you for your question.

Medical Author: Jay W. Marks, M.D.

Last Editorial Review: 6/25/2002

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