Sarcoidosis

Treatment

Sarcoidosis symptoms often resolve on their own gradually without treatment.

Severely affected patients may need treatment with corticosteroids. Therapy may continue for one or two years. Some of the most severely affected patients may require life-long therapy.

Immunosuppressive agents, such as methotrexate, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide, are sometimes used in addition to corticosteroids. Rarely, some individuals with irreversible organ failure require an organ transplant.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Many people are not seriously ill, and the disease may resolve without treatment. About 30 - 50% of cases resolve without treatment in 3 years. About 20% of those with lung involvement will develop lung damage. Death from sarcoidosis is rare.

Possible Complications

• Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Anterior uveitis
• Glaucoma and blindness (rare)
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Cranial or peripheral nerve palsies
• Kidney stones
• Organ failure, leading to the need for a transplant

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have difficulty breathing, vision changes, palpitations, or other symptoms of this disorder.

References

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders; 2003.

Cox CE, Donohue JF, Brown CD, Kataria YP, Judson MA. Health-related quality of life of persons with sarcoidosis. Chest. March 2004;125:997-1004.

Cox CE, Davis-Allen A, Judson MA. Sarcoidosis. Med Clin North Am. July 2005;89:817-828.