American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Löfgren syndrome is characterized by which of the following?

1. Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy

2. Microvascular cardiomyopathy

3. Increased creatinine levels

4. Cardiac arrhythmias

The correct answer is: Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy

Löfgren syndrome is indeed characterized by bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, which is a key feature that helps differentiate it from other forms of sarcoidosis. This condition is often part of acute sarcoidosis, and its presence indicates that there is a significant inflammatory response occurring in the lungs and lymphatic system. The bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy can be seen on chest X-rays and is accompanied by other signs, such as erythema nodosum and arthritis, which are often noted in the clinical presentation of Löfgren syndrome. This characteristic helps in diagnosing the syndrome, as it is a clear indication of sarcoidosis impacting the lymphatic system. The presence of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, combined with other clinical signs, supports the acute presentation of sarcoidosis that defines Löfgren syndrome and is essential for clinicians when considering the diagnosis and guiding potential treatments.