Sarcoidosis (inflammatory disease)

Description A disease characterized by tiny clumps of inflammatory cells in different ...

Description

A disease characterized by tiny clumps of inflammatory cells in different areas of the body. These clumps of inflammation are called granulomas. The sarcoid granulomas can affect any part of the body with the most common being the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes and skin. The cause of the disorder is not known. Many patients do not have any symptoms and the disease is discovered after they obtain a chest x-ray for an unrelated reason.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the extent of the disease and the area affected. Many patients do not have symptoms. Symptoms may include: persistent cough, shortness of breath, a vague feeling of discomfort and fatigue, fever, weight loss, small red bumps on the skin, red watery eyes, swollen joints.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. An x-ray or CT scan may be done. The diagnosis is confirmed by performing a biopsy of an affected area usually the skin, a lymph node, eye or lung.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, X-ray

Other Specific Tests: tissue biopsy

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Family Practice

Treatment

Many patients do not need treatment. If the disease begins to progress the healthcare provider may recommend medications including: steroids (prednisone), immunosuppressive medications (methotrexate/Trexall, azathioprine/Imuran), anti-malarial medications (hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil), and/or anti-tumor necrosis factor (infliximab/Remicade). Lung or liver transplant may be needed for severe disease.