Sarcoidosis Flashcards
what is sarcoidosis
A chronic, multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown cause that primarily affects the lungs but can involve multiple organs.
what are the respiratory symptoms
Dyspnea, cough, chest pain
what are the systemic symptoms
Fatigue, fever, weight loss.
what are the skin symptoms
Lupus pernio (raised, purplish skin lesions), erythema nodosum.
what are the eye symptoms
Uveitis, blurred vision, photophobia.
what are the liver and kidney symptoms?
Hepatomegaly, renal dysfunction.
what are the heart symptoms?
Arrhythmias, heart block, cardiomyopathy.
what are the lymph node symptoms
Enlarged hilar lymph nodes.
what does X ray and CT show
Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, pulmonary infiltrates, and fibrosis.
what does PFT show
Assesses disease progression (restrictive pattern).
what does serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Level show
Often elevated in active disease.
what does bronchoscopy with biopsy show
Confirms non-caseating granulomas.
what is the prognosis
Some cases resolve spontaneously.
Others follow a chronic progressive course, leading to fibrosis and organ dysfunction.
what is the treatment
Mild cases → Observation, supportive care.
Severe or progressive disease → Immunosuppressive therapy.
what is the first-line treatment
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) → To reduce inflammation.
what are the steroid sparing agents
Methotrexate, azathioprine, or mycophenolate
when are TNF inhibitors (e.g., infliximab) given
For severe cases, especially cardiac or neurological sarcoidosis.
when does pt need follow up
Every 3 to 6 months with:
Pulmonary function tests (to track lung function).
Chest X-rays & CT scans (to monitor disease progression).
Eye & cardiac evaluations (if those organs are affected).
what should Pt do?
Unpredictable course—some patients experience spontaneous remission, while others develop chronic progression.
Routine follow-ups are crucial to monitor for fibrosis and organ damage.
Avoid environmental triggers (e.g., smoking, dust, air pollution) to reduce flare-ups.
Stay up to date on vaccines (flu, pneumococcal) to prevent respiratory infections.
