Sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown aetiology with a pathogenesis mediated by the immune system, with development of tissue lesions with non-caseous epithelioid granulomas. The clinical expression and evolution vary considerably. The most frequent affectation is pulmonary, which can coexist with extra-thoracic manifestations such as cutaneous, ocular, hepatic, cardiac and/or of the central nervous system. Diagnosis is based on the clinical signs and symptoms of the patient, the evidence of tissue damage and granulomatous histology, with the exclusion of other possible aetiologies. Treatment is established based on the severity, evolution and location of the organs affected; corticoids and immunosuppressants are fundamental.