Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomatous inflammation in affected organs (1). The etiology of sarcoidosis remains undetermined, the clinical manifestations of this disease are protean, and a diagnosis of sarcoidosis is often made by the exclusion of other processes. What helps distinguish sarcoidosis from other systemic disorders is a consideration of clinical presentation and natural history, confirmatory biopsy, and appropriate response to therapy. Although this disease most commonly affects the lungs, virtually any part of the body may be affected, and the presence and behavior of characteristic extrapulmonary manifestations may assist in supporting a diagnosis of sarcoidosis.