Sarcoidosis
An inflammatory disease in which small clusters of immune cells (granulomas) form in organs, most often the lungs and chest lymph nodes. Many cases settle on their own.
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Causes
- Unknown; an exaggerated immune response to an unidentified trigger in genetically susceptible people
Risk factors
- Age 20–40
- African American or Scandinavian ancestry
- Family history
Symptoms
- Dry cough and breathlessness
- Tender red lumps on the shins (erythema nodosum)
- Red, painful eyes
- Fatigue and fever
- Often none — found on chest X-ray
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Chest X-ray showing enlarged hilar nodes
- CT scan
- Biopsy (EBUS) showing non-caseating granulomas
- Serum ACE and calcium
- Screening for heart and eye involvement
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Observation for mild disease
- Corticosteroids for significant organ involvement
- Methotrexate or infliximab as steroid-sparing agents
Operations and procedures
- Pacemaker or ICD for cardiac involvement
- Transplantation rarely
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Avoid smoking and dust exposure
- Regular eye checks
Possible complications
- Lung fibrosis
- Heart rhythm problems
- Vision loss
- High calcium and kidney stones
Prevention
- No known prevention
Outlook
About two-thirds resolve within a few years; a minority develop chronic disease.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for persistent cough, painful red eyes or tender shin lumps.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
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