Sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem, inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that can affect every organ system in the body [1, 2]. The disease is characterized by the development of non-caseating granulomas, which can cause disease through either active inflammation or scarring and fibrosis. Sarcoidosis occurs worldwide and can affect patients of any race, ethnic group, or age [3]. Patients likely inherit a genetic predisposition for developing the disease, which, coupled with an environmental, infectious, or antigenic exposure, triggers an immune cascade, leading to granulomatous inflammation, which may spontaneously remit, persist, or lead to subsequent fibrosis.