Sarcoidosis

Abstract

The primary cause of sarcoidosis is as yet unknown, but there is a growing belief that immunologic and constitutional mechanisms are involved in its pathogenesis.

More than 90 per cent of patients show radiographic changes indicating pulmonary or mediastinal involvement. However, increased attention recently has been given to extrathoracic manifestations, including cardiac, hepatic, arthritic and neurologic disturbances.

Since sarcoidosis is prone to spontaneous remission, therapy is difficult to evaluate. The prompt effectiveness of steroid therapy has been established, but most investigators feel that this treatment should be confined to definite indications.