Sarcoidosis: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Sarcoidosis is an uncommon autoimmune disorder of unknown cause that primarily affects younger individuals. The disease is characterised by the presence of non-caseating granulomas which can appear almost anywhere in the body but usually appear in either the lungs or the lymph nodes. It can occasionally appear suddenly but more often than not appears gradually. Sarcoidosis can sometimes have the appearance of tuberculosis.

Sarcoidosis is more commonly seen in blacks than whites. Pulmonary (lung) involvement is the most common presentation of sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a restrictive disease of the lungs, causing a decrease in lung volume and decreased compliance (the ability to stretch). The vital capacity (full breath in, to full breath out) is decreased, and most of this air can be blown out in the first second. This means the FEV₁/FVC ratio is increased from the normal of about 80%, to 90%.

Treatment is generally with corticosteroids, although the use of corticosteroids in mild disease has been the subject of mounting doubt. Severe disease is treated with steroids, and later with steroid-sparing agents.