[Cardiac sarcoidosis]

Abstract

To analyze the clinical features of cardiac sarcoidosis, we reviewed case reports and clinical investigations from Japan and other countries. Female patients were more frequently affected in this disease in Japan. Cardiac sarcoidosis is characterized by a high incidence of complete atrioventricular block, right bundle branch block, and ventricular arrhythmias on the electrocardiogram. Echocardiography often reveals left ventricular dilatation with systolic dysfunction and wall thickening or thinning. Radionuclide testings, such as, thallium-201, gallium-67 or technetium-99m pyrophosphate, are useful for detecting cardiac involvement and evaluating efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in patients with sarcoidosis. Most of the patients died due to recurrent or refractory heart failure. It is noteworthy that cases of sudden death during stable cardiac function have become infrequent.