[Sarcoidosis]

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous systemic disease of unknown etiology most commonly affecting the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes. The diagnosis is based on typical clinical radiologic appearance and histology with evidence of noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas without central necrosis. In the acute form, Löfgren's syndrome, histologic confirmation may not be necessary. Approximately half of patients may develop a chronic form, and extrathoracic organ involvement should be investigated during the course. Indications for therapy are based on functional limitations, marked organ-related or systemic symptoms, and life-threatening organ manifestations (cardiac, central nervous system, renal, and ocular sarcoidosis). To date, there is no approved drug therapy for sarcoidosis. Administration of immunosuppressants such as glucocorticosteroids and as add-on or sequential, methotrexate, azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil is recommended in the currently published international guideline.