aetiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

Causes of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy include

  • tuberculosis
  • sarcoidosis
  • lymphoma - almost never shows the striking symmetry of the BHL
  • carcinoma
  • fungi
  • hypogammaglobulinaemia
  • berrylliosis

The commonest cause of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy in the UK in adults is sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis may also cause unilateral hilar lymphadenopathy but tuberculosis and carcinoma become more important possibilities.