Sarcoidosis – The most common autoimmune disease of the lungs

Sarcoidosis, a (noncaseating) granulomatous systemic disease of unknown initiating factor, is the most common autoimmune disease affecting many organs like skin, eyes, heart and brain. Almost 90% of the patients with sarcoidosis show affection of the lung and lymph nodes, representing permanent and increasing inflammation. Sarcoidosis is commonly diagnosed accidentally because most of patients haven`t any or only a few unspecified symptoms. Chronic cough is the most common symptom.

If the Sarcoidosis suspected by classic radiological changes, a biopsy of lung tissue (and the lymph node) has to performed. In summary, how do I proceed with suspected sarcoidosis:

  • Suspicion of sarcoidosis is expressed (accidentally or for the diagnosis of cough / bronchitis)

  • Computer tomography of the lungs and the lymph nodes (plus possibly the abdomen)

  • Tissue sampling / biopsy (bronchoscopy, computer tomography-targeted? Operative?)

  • Histological verification
  • Ad Lung Specialist / Pulmonologist ⇨ Lung function
  • Ad ophthalmologist and neurologist