Update in treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous multisystem disease with an unknown etiology. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis relies on the presence of noncaseating granuloma on histopathological examination with compatible clinical presentation and exclusion of other causes of granulomatous inflammation. Lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes are the most commonly affected organs. Most of the patients are asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients generally have spontaneous resolution. 25% of patients have progressive lung disease and 10% of patients have organ failure. Corticosteroids, immunosuppressive, cytotoxic, and antimalarial drugs are used for sarcoidosis treatment. The decision of appropriate treatment is very important. The aim of this review is to summarize the actual treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis.