Successful tumor necrosis factor alpha blockade treatment in therapy-resistant sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disorder histologically characterized by a noncaseating granulomatous inflammatory process. The etiology remains unclear, but tumor necrosis factor alpha seems to play a crucial role. Herein we describe a patient with severe sarcoidosis involving the lung and liver. Various treatment regimens with azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and pentoxifylline failed to control the disease. Therefore, salvage therapy with infliximab was commenced. Arthritis and pulmonary and liver involvement improved. We were then able to taper the corticosteroid treatment to a lower-dose regimen with no need for additional immunosuppressive treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful treatment of multiorgan sarcoidosis that was previously resistant to conventional therapy.