Sign up for our newsletter

Sarcoidosis is referred to as Granulomatous Inflammation of the Lungs.

This means, that the inflammation causes growth in several different organs including the Lungs, Kidney, Skin, Liver, Heart, Eyes, and others.

It is an immune system disorder whose cause is relatively unkown.

Typically individuals exhibit symptoms in there 30s and 40s

World wide incidence is anywhere from 1 to 40 per 100,000

Most often seen in Northern European Countries such as Sweden and Iceland

North American Blacks and Northern European Whites have a higher incidence

Women are affected more than men

Symptoms

• Variety of symptoms can be seen
• Seen in several organs such as lungs, Kidney, skin, Liver, Nerves, Heart, eyes or others.
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Vision changes
• Light sensitivity for the eyes.-
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Joint pain
• Rash
• Color or pigment changes of skin
• Growths or nodules under the skin
• Sores or lesions can be seen

Diagnosis

• X-rays are important and can be helpful
• Biopsy is essential for diagnosis with a finding of granulomatous inflammation
• CT can help rule out other medical problems.
• Eye exam

Treatment

Oral corticosteroids

• Prednisone

Long term control may be indicated.

Skin Treatment

• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) may be helpful for skin disease and elevated blood-calcium levels.

Severe condition may require imunosuppressant:

• Azathioprine
• Methotrexate

Organ Transplant

• If an organ becomes damaged enough – transplant may be helpful.