Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas—clusters of immune cells—in various organs. The lungs and lymphatic system are the most commonly affected, but it can also involve the skin, eyes, musculoskeletal system, and other organs. The hallmark granulomas are the result of an exaggerated immune response, although the precise triggers remain unclear. Environmental, genetic, and infectious factors are thought to contribute to the development of the condition.

The clinical presentation of sarcoidosis is highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic cases, often discovered incidentally during chest imaging, to severe organ dysfunction. Symptoms, when present, may include fatigue, persistent dry cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and skin lesions. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, radiological findings, and histological confirmation of non-caseating granulomas, with the exclusion of other diseases with similar features. While the course of sarcoidosis is unpredictable, it is often self-limited, with a tendency toward spontaneous remission in many cases. Management strategies focus on controlling symptoms and preventing organ damage, employing medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for more progressive or severe disease.