Sarcoidosis

Question 1

Sarcoidosis

Answer 1

A disease of unknown ideology characterized by interstitial lung disease and noncaseating granulomas

Question 2

Sarcoidosis Overview

Answer 2

Various anatomical sites may be involved, but most commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes within the chest
More common among females, north Americans, African-Americans, and northern European Caucasian
Onset of symptoms typically between 20 and 40 years of age

Question 3

Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis

Answer 3

Progressive dyspnea
Nonproductive cough
Rales (“velcro crackles”)

Question 4

Lab and diagnostics of sarcoidosis

Answer 4

CXR for staging
PFT
Routine chemistries; ABGs as needed
Bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy of the lung parenchyma for diagnosis

Question 5

Mangement of sarcoidosis

Answer 5

*corticosteroids: Mainstay therapy
Alternative therapies (contraversial): Immunosuppressive ( cyclophosphamide [cytoxan], azathioprine [imuran], methotrexate