Sarcoid, stage I - chest X-ray
Sarcoid, stage I - chest X-ray
Sarcoid, stage II - chest X-ray
Sarcoid, stage II - chest X-ray
Sarcoid, stage IV - chest X-ray
Sarcoid, stage IV - chest X-ray
Sarcoid - close-up of the skin lesions
Sarcoid - close-up of the skin lesions
Erythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosis
Erythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis - close-up
Sarcoidosis - close-up
Sarcoidosis on the elbow
Sarcoidosis on the elbow
Sarcoidosis on the nose and forehead
Sarcoidosis on the nose and forehead
Respiratory system
Respiratory system


Sarcoidosis

Treatment:

Sarcoidosis symptoms often gradually resolve on their own without treatment.

Severely affected patients may require treatment with corticosteroids. Therapy may continue for one or two years, although some of the most severely affected 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 organ transplantation.



Expectations (prognosis):

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



Complications:


Calling your health care provider:

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




Review Date: 2/6/2003
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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