Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 28(1): 053-074
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-970333
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Joseph P. Lynch1  III , Yan Ling Ma2 , Michael N. Koss2 , Eric S. White3
  • 1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, and Hospitalists, Department of Internal Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
  • 2Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC) Los Angeles, California
  • 3Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
28 February 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Sarcoidosis, a granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology, characteristically involves multiple organs. However, pulmonary manifestations typically dominate. Chest radiographs are abnormal in 85 to 95% of patients. Abnormalities in pulmonary function tests are common and may be associated with cough, dyspnea, and exercise limitation. However, one third or more of patients are asymptomatic, with incidental abnormalities on chest radiographs. The clinical course and expression of pulmonary sarcoidosis are variable. Spontaneous remissions occur in nearly two thirds of patients. The course is chronic in up to 30% of patients. Chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis may result in progressive (sometimes life-threatening) loss of lung function. Fatalities ascribed to sarcoidosis occur in 1 to 4% of patients. Although the impact of treatment is controversial, corticosteroids may be highly effective in some patients. Immunosuppressive, cytotoxic, or immunomodulatory agents are reserved for patients failing or experiencing adverse effects from corticosteroids. Lung transplantation is a viable option for patients with life-threatening disease failing medical therapy.

REFERENCES

Joseph P Lynch IIIM.D. 

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, and Hospitalists

10833 Le Conte Ave., Rm. 37-131 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Email: jplynch@mednet.ucla.edu