| Abstract [eng] |
Sarcoidosis accounts for about 30% of all interstitial lung diseases cases. The Scandinavian countries have the largest number of new cases. The disease is also more common in black people. Although the exact cause of sarcoidosis is not yet known, specific genetic, infectious and environmental risk factors have been identified which increase the likelihood of the disease. Sarcoidosis is characterised by granulomatous inflammation without necrosis, which may occur in various organs. The pathogenesis of the disease can be categorised into three phases: alveolitis, granuloma formation and fibrosis. Radiological techniques such as chest X-ray, CT, PET-CT are essential for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, but invasive techniques are routinely required to confirm the diagnosis. Detailed examinations of other organs are performed to assess the spread of the disease. The treatment of the disease is determined by the stage and extent of the disease, the patient's quality of life and individual preferences. The first-line drugs for sarcoidosis are glucocorticoids. When the disease is glucocorticoid-resistant, methotrexate, azathioprine, leflunomide, mycophenolate mofetil and, in rare cases, tumour necrosis factor inhibitors may be used. The prognosis of sarcoidosis is usually favourable, with spontaneous remission in the majority of patients and a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. The aim of this paper is to review the available literature on sarcoidosis and to describe a clinical case with an emphasis on the importance of an accurate diagnosis and appropriate, timely treatment. |
