Sarcoidos

Sarcoidosis, also known as sarcoidos in some languages, is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas in multiple organs, most commonly the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes. It can affect the skin, eyes, liver, heart, nervous system, and other tissues. The clinical course is highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic to progressive organ dysfunction.

Symptoms depend on the organs involved. Many people have respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath, while others experience fatigue, fever, or weight loss. Skin lesions (eg, erythema nodosum or lupus pernio) and eye inflammation (uveitis) are common. Cardiac and neurologic involvement, though less frequent, can be serious.

Cause and pathophysiology are not fully understood. The disease likely results from an exaggerated immune response in genetically susceptible individuals to unknown environmental triggers, producing noncaseating granulomas. There is no single diagnostic test; diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical, radiologic, and histologic findings, with tissue confirmation required in many cases.

Diagnosis relies on compatible presentation, imaging showing lymphadenopathy or lung involvement, and histologic proof of noncaseating granulomas after excluding infections (notably tuberculosis and fungi) and other causes of granulomatous disease. Blood tests and PET scans may aid assessment, but elevated serum ACE is nonspecific.

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent organ damage. Many cases resolve without treatment or remain mild. For significant involvement, corticosteroids are first-line; steroid-sparing immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or azathioprine may be used for long-term management. Prognosis is variable; most patients stabilize or improve, while a minority develop chronic or progressive disease.

Epidemiology varies by region and ethnicity; sarcoidosis is more common in people of African descent and in women. Regular monitoring of lung function, eye health, calcium metabolism, and other affected organs is important to manage complications and assess response to therapy.