BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuSarcoidosisSarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, and/or other tissues. Causes The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. What is known is that when a person has the disease, tiny clumps of abnormal tissue (granulomas) form in certain organs of the body. Granulomas are clusters of immune cells.The disease can affect almost any organ. It most commonly affects the lungs.Health experts think that having certain genes makes it more likely for a person to develop sarcoidosis. Things that may trigger the disease include infections with bacteria or viruses. Contact with dust or chemicals may also be triggers.The disease is more common in African Americans and White people of Scandinavian heritage. More women than men have the disease.The disease often begins between ages 20 and 40. Sarcoidosis is rare in young children.A person with a close blood relative who has sarcoidosis is nearly 5 times as likely to develop the condition. Symptoms There may be no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can involve almost any body part or organ system.Almost all people affected by sarcoidosis have lung or chest symptoms:Chest pain (most often behind the breast bone) Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dry cough CoughCoughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shortness of breath Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Coughing up blood (rare, but serious)Coughing up bloodCoughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract). Hemoptysis is the medical term for cough...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms of general discomfort may include:Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Joint ache or pain (arthralgia) Joint ache or painJoint pain can affect one or more joints.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight lossWeight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Skin symptoms may include:Hair loss Hair lossPartial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Raised, red, firm skin sores (erythema nodosum), almost always on the front part of the lower legs Erythema nodosumErythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder. It involves tender, red bumps (nodules) under the skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rash RashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Scars that become raised or inflamedNervous system symptoms may include:Headache HeadacheA headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seizures SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weakness on one side of the faceWeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Eye symptoms may include:Burning, itching, discharge from the eye Burning, itching, discharge from the eyEye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dry eyes Dry eyesYou need tears to moisten the eyes and to wash away particles that have gotten into your eyes. A healthy tear film on the eye is necessary for good ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pain PainPain in the eye may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also feel like you have a forei...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Vision lossOther symptoms of this disease may include:Dry mouth Dry mouthDry mouth occurs when you don't make enough saliva. This causes your mouth to feel dry and uncomfortable. Dry mouth that is ongoing may be a sign o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fainting spells, if the heart is involved Fainting spellsFainting is a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode most often lasts less than a couple of minutes and y...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Nosebleed NosebleedA nosebleed is loss of blood from the tissue lining the nose. Bleeding most often occurs from one nostril only.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling in the upper part of the abdomen Liver disease Liver diseaseThe term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain or swelling...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling of the legs if heart and lungs are involved Abnormal heart rhythm if the heart is involved Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask about the symptoms.Different imaging tests may help diagnose sarcoidosis:Chest x-ray to see if the lungs are involved or lymph nodes are enlarged Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the chest CT scanA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung gallium scan (rarely done now) Lung gallium scanLung gallium scan is a type of nuclear scan that uses radioactive gallium to identify inflammation in the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging tests of the brain and liver BrainA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LiverUltrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of organs and structures inside the body.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scan of the whole body (or specific body parts) Echocardiogram or MRI of the heart EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRIHeart magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging method that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the heart. It does not use ra...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article To diagnose this condition, a biopsy is needed. A biopsy of the lung using bronchoscopy is usually done. Biopsies of other body tissues may also be done.BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The following lab tests may be done:Calcium levels (urine, ionized, blood) UrineThis test measures the amount of calcium in the urine. All cells need calcium in order to work. Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth. It is ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article IonizedIonized calcium is calcium in your blood that is not attached to proteins. It is also called free calcium. All cells need calcium in order to work. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BloodThe calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the blood. This article discusses the test to measure the total amount of calcium in your blo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CBC CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Immunoelectrophoresis ImmunoelectrophoresisSerum immunoelectrophoresis is a lab test that measures proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglobulins are proteins that function as ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver function tests Liver function testsLiver function tests are common tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:AlbuminAlpha-1 antitrypsinAlkaline phosphata...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Quantitative immunoglobulins Quantitative immunoglobulinsQuantitative nephelometry is a lab test to quickly and accurately measure levels of certain proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglob...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Phosphorus PhosphorusThe phosphorus blood test measures the amount of phosphate in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)The ACE test measures the level of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Sarcoidosis symptoms will often get better without treatment, especially if there are only small lung abnormalities.If the eyes, heart, nervous system, or lungs are affected, corticosteroids are usually prescribed. This medicine may need to be taken for 1 to 2 years.Medicines that suppress the immune system are sometimes also needed.In rare cases, people with very severe heart or lung damage (end-stage disease) may need an organ transplant.With sarcoidosis that affects the heart, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be needed to treat heart rhythm problems. ICDAn implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects a life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. This abnormal heartbeat is called an a...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Many people with sarcoidosis are not seriously ill, and get better without treatment. Up to half of all people with the disease get better in 3 years without treatment. People whose lungs are affected may develop lung damage.Overall the death rate from sarcoidosis is less than 5%. Causes of death include:Bleeding from the lung tissue Heart damage, leading to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms Lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis) Possible Complications Sarcoidosis may lead to these health problems:Fungal lung infections (aspergillosis) AspergillosisAspergillosis is an infection or allergic response due to the aspergillus fungus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Glaucoma and blindness from uveitis (rare) GlaucomaGlaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve. This nerve sends the images you see to your brain. Most often, optic nerve da...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article UveitisUveitis is swelling and inflammation of the uvea. The uvea is the middle layer of the wall of the eye. The uvea supplies blood for the iris at the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney stones from high calcium levels in blood or urine Kidney stonesA kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more stones can be in the kidney or ureter at the same time.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Osteoporosis and other complications of taking corticosteroids for long periods of time OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)Pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider promptly if you have:Difficulty breathing Difficulty breathingBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Irregular heartbeat Irregular heartbeatPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vision changes Other symptoms of this disorderOpen ReferencesReferencesIannuzzi MC. Sarcoidosis. Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 89.Judson MA, Koth LL, Baughman RP. Sarcoidosis. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 93.Soto-Gomez N, Peters JI, Nambiar AM. Diagnosis and management of sarcoidosis. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(10):840-848. PMID: 27175719 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27175719/.AllVideoImagesTogSarcoid, stage I - chest X-ray - illustration Sarcoid is primarily a lung (pulmonary) disease. In the early stages, a chest film may show enlargement of lymph nodes in the center of the chest near the heart (mediastinum).Sarcoid, stage I - chest X-rayillustrationSarcoid, stage II - chest X-ray - illustration Sarcoid causes damage to the lung tissue that heals by scarring. The film shows a diffuse milky and granular appearance in the normally dark lung areas. This individual has marked decrease in lung function.Sarcoid, stage II - chest X-rayillustrationSarcoid, stage IV - chest x-ray - illustration This film shows advanced sarcoid, scarring of the lungs (the light streaking), and cavity formation (the dark areas in the upper right side of the picture).Sarcoid, stage IV - chest x-rayillustrationSarcoid - close-up of the skin lesions - illustration Sarcoid - close-up of the skin lesions. 20 to 25 percent of individuals with sarcoidosis have skin manifestations as seen in this picture. The extent of the skin manifestations is difficult to predict, but the most common are red papules that are translucent as seen here.Sarcoid - close-up of the skin lesionsillustrationErythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosis - illustration This picture shows reddish-purple, hard (indurated), painful nodules (erythema nodosum) that occur most commonly on the shins. These lesions may be anywhere on the body and may be associated with tuberculosis (TB), sarcoidosis, coccidioidomycosis, systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), fungal infections, or in response to medications.Erythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosisillustrationSarcoidosis - close-up - illustration Typical sarcoid lesions consist of red, raised lesions (papules) and patches (plaques) with minimal surrounding skin change.Sarcoidosis - close-upillustrationSarcoidosis on the elbow - illustration These lesions of sarcoidosis are located on the elbow and are red, elevated patches (plaques). The cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown.Sarcoidosis on the elbowillustrationSarcoidosis on the nose and forehead - illustration These are sarcoid lesions on the face. These lesions often appear in scars, as is seen in this photograph.Sarcoidosis on the nose and foreheadillustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationSarcoid, stage I - chest X-ray - illustration Sarcoid is primarily a lung (pulmonary) disease. In the early stages, a chest film may show enlargement of lymph nodes in the center of the chest near the heart (mediastinum).Sarcoid, stage I - chest X-rayillustrationSarcoid, stage II - chest X-ray - illustration Sarcoid causes damage to the lung tissue that heals by scarring. The film shows a diffuse milky and granular appearance in the normally dark lung areas. This individual has marked decrease in lung function.Sarcoid, stage II - chest X-rayillustrationSarcoid, stage IV - chest x-ray - illustration This film shows advanced sarcoid, scarring of the lungs (the light streaking), and cavity formation (the dark areas in the upper right side of the picture).Sarcoid, stage IV - chest x-rayillustrationSarcoid - close-up of the skin lesions - illustration Sarcoid - close-up of the skin lesions. 20 to 25 percent of individuals with sarcoidosis have skin manifestations as seen in this picture. The extent of the skin manifestations is difficult to predict, but the most common are red papules that are translucent as seen here.Sarcoid - close-up of the skin lesionsillustrationErythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosis - illustration This picture shows reddish-purple, hard (indurated), painful nodules (erythema nodosum) that occur most commonly on the shins. These lesions may be anywhere on the body and may be associated with tuberculosis (TB), sarcoidosis, coccidioidomycosis, systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), fungal infections, or in response to medications.Erythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosisillustrationSarcoidosis - close-up - illustration Typical sarcoid lesions consist of red, raised lesions (papules) and patches (plaques) with minimal surrounding skin change.Sarcoidosis - close-upillustrationSarcoidosis on the elbow - illustration These lesions of sarcoidosis are located on the elbow and are red, elevated patches (plaques). The cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown.Sarcoidosis on the elbowillustrationSarcoidosis on the nose and forehead - illustration These are sarcoid lesions on the face. These lesions often appear in scars, as is seen in this photograph.Sarcoidosis on the nose and foreheadillustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationRelated Information Interstitial lung disease(Condition)Pulmonary hypertension(Condition)Uveitis(Condition)Glaucoma(Condition)Arrhythmias(Condition)Peripheral(Special Topic)Interstitial lung disease - adults - discharge(Discharge)Glaucoma - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 5/3/2023 Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
SarcoidosisSarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, and/or other tissues. Causes The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. What is known is that when a person has the disease, tiny clumps of abnormal tissue (granulomas) form in certain organs of the body. Granulomas are clusters of immune cells.The disease can affect almost any organ. It most commonly affects the lungs.Health experts think that having certain genes makes it more likely for a person to develop sarcoidosis. Things that may trigger the disease include infections with bacteria or viruses. Contact with dust or chemicals may also be triggers.The disease is more common in African Americans and White people of Scandinavian heritage. More women than men have the disease.The disease often begins between ages 20 and 40. Sarcoidosis is rare in young children.A person with a close blood relative who has sarcoidosis is nearly 5 times as likely to develop the condition. Symptoms There may be no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can involve almost any body part or organ system.Almost all people affected by sarcoidosis have lung or chest symptoms:Chest pain (most often behind the breast bone) Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dry cough CoughCoughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shortness of breath Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Coughing up blood (rare, but serious)Coughing up bloodCoughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract). Hemoptysis is the medical term for cough...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms of general discomfort may include:Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Joint ache or pain (arthralgia) Joint ache or painJoint pain can affect one or more joints.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight lossWeight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Skin symptoms may include:Hair loss Hair lossPartial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Raised, red, firm skin sores (erythema nodosum), almost always on the front part of the lower legs Erythema nodosumErythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder. It involves tender, red bumps (nodules) under the skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rash RashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Scars that become raised or inflamedNervous system symptoms may include:Headache HeadacheA headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seizures SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weakness on one side of the faceWeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Eye symptoms may include:Burning, itching, discharge from the eye Burning, itching, discharge from the eyEye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dry eyes Dry eyesYou need tears to moisten the eyes and to wash away particles that have gotten into your eyes. A healthy tear film on the eye is necessary for good ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pain PainPain in the eye may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also feel like you have a forei...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Vision lossOther symptoms of this disease may include:Dry mouth Dry mouthDry mouth occurs when you don't make enough saliva. This causes your mouth to feel dry and uncomfortable. Dry mouth that is ongoing may be a sign o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fainting spells, if the heart is involved Fainting spellsFainting is a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode most often lasts less than a couple of minutes and y...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Nosebleed NosebleedA nosebleed is loss of blood from the tissue lining the nose. Bleeding most often occurs from one nostril only.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling in the upper part of the abdomen Liver disease Liver diseaseThe term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain or swelling...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling of the legs if heart and lungs are involved Abnormal heart rhythm if the heart is involved Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask about the symptoms.Different imaging tests may help diagnose sarcoidosis:Chest x-ray to see if the lungs are involved or lymph nodes are enlarged Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the chest CT scanA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung gallium scan (rarely done now) Lung gallium scanLung gallium scan is a type of nuclear scan that uses radioactive gallium to identify inflammation in the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging tests of the brain and liver BrainA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LiverUltrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of organs and structures inside the body.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scan of the whole body (or specific body parts) Echocardiogram or MRI of the heart EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRIHeart magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging method that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the heart. It does not use ra...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article To diagnose this condition, a biopsy is needed. A biopsy of the lung using bronchoscopy is usually done. Biopsies of other body tissues may also be done.BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The following lab tests may be done:Calcium levels (urine, ionized, blood) UrineThis test measures the amount of calcium in the urine. All cells need calcium in order to work. Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth. It is ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article IonizedIonized calcium is calcium in your blood that is not attached to proteins. It is also called free calcium. All cells need calcium in order to work. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BloodThe calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the blood. This article discusses the test to measure the total amount of calcium in your blo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CBC CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Immunoelectrophoresis ImmunoelectrophoresisSerum immunoelectrophoresis is a lab test that measures proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglobulins are proteins that function as ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver function tests Liver function testsLiver function tests are common tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:AlbuminAlpha-1 antitrypsinAlkaline phosphata...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Quantitative immunoglobulins Quantitative immunoglobulinsQuantitative nephelometry is a lab test to quickly and accurately measure levels of certain proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglob...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Phosphorus PhosphorusThe phosphorus blood test measures the amount of phosphate in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)The ACE test measures the level of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Sarcoidosis symptoms will often get better without treatment, especially if there are only small lung abnormalities.If the eyes, heart, nervous system, or lungs are affected, corticosteroids are usually prescribed. This medicine may need to be taken for 1 to 2 years.Medicines that suppress the immune system are sometimes also needed.In rare cases, people with very severe heart or lung damage (end-stage disease) may need an organ transplant.With sarcoidosis that affects the heart, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be needed to treat heart rhythm problems. ICDAn implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects a life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. This abnormal heartbeat is called an a...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Many people with sarcoidosis are not seriously ill, and get better without treatment. Up to half of all people with the disease get better in 3 years without treatment. People whose lungs are affected may develop lung damage.Overall the death rate from sarcoidosis is less than 5%. Causes of death include:Bleeding from the lung tissue Heart damage, leading to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms Lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis) Possible Complications Sarcoidosis may lead to these health problems:Fungal lung infections (aspergillosis) AspergillosisAspergillosis is an infection or allergic response due to the aspergillus fungus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Glaucoma and blindness from uveitis (rare) GlaucomaGlaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve. This nerve sends the images you see to your brain. Most often, optic nerve da...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article UveitisUveitis is swelling and inflammation of the uvea. The uvea is the middle layer of the wall of the eye. The uvea supplies blood for the iris at the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney stones from high calcium levels in blood or urine Kidney stonesA kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more stones can be in the kidney or ureter at the same time.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Osteoporosis and other complications of taking corticosteroids for long periods of time OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)Pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider promptly if you have:Difficulty breathing Difficulty breathingBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Irregular heartbeat Irregular heartbeatPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vision changes Other symptoms of this disorderOpen ReferencesReferencesIannuzzi MC. Sarcoidosis. Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 89.Judson MA, Koth LL, Baughman RP. Sarcoidosis. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 93.Soto-Gomez N, Peters JI, Nambiar AM. Diagnosis and management of sarcoidosis. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(10):840-848. PMID: 27175719 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27175719/.