Pulmonary sarcoidosis

Clin Chest Med. 2008 Sep;29(3):459-73, viii-ix. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2008.03.002.

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory granulomatous disease that is characterized by diverse organ system manifestations, a variable clinical course, and a predilection for affecting relatively young adults worldwide. Abnormalities on chest radiographs are detected in 85% to 95% of patients who have sarcoidosis. Approximately 20% to 50% of patients who have sarcoidosis present with respiratory symptoms, including dyspnea, cough, chest pain, and tightness of the chest. The clinical course and manifestations of pulmonary sarcoidosis are protean: spontaneous remission occurs in approximately two thirds of patients; up to 30% of patients have chronic course of the lung disease, resulting in progressive, (sometimes life-threatening) loss of lung function. Morbidity that correlates to sarcoidosis occurs in 1% to 4% of patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Morbidity / trends
  • Respiratory Function Tests / methods
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary* / diagnosis
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary* / epidemiology
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary* / physiopathology
  • Severity of Illness Index