Interní Med. 2007; 9(6): 276-279
Sarcoidosis - unrecognized
- Klinika plicních nemocí a tuberkulózy, FN a LF UP Olomouc
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology (1). Morphologically sarcoidosis presents with epitheloid granulomas in different organs and tissues formed by accumulation of T-lymphocytes and transformed macrophages. In granulomas we do not find classification necrosis, but fibrinoid necrosis with following resorption or central hyaline fibrosis may be present (2). The name of the disease is derived from first histopathological descriptions, but currently diagnosis is based on synthesis of morphological, clinical, radiological, functional and immunological data. These characteristics are connected in descriptive definition of sarcoidosis from 1991 (3). Current opinions on diagnosis and treatment of the disease are summarized in clinical guidelines of American Thoracic Society (ATS), European Respiratory Society (ERS) and Association of Sarcoidosis and other granulomatous diseases (WASOG) from 1999 (4).
Up to this day we cannot answer the basic question concerning ethiology of sarcoidosis and the question of “compartmentalisation of immune reaction” with activation, transformation and distribution changes in the whole immune system. That is why problems with optimal treatment and classification of the disease persist. In spite of the presence of sarcoidosis in almost any tissue, respiratory signs and symptoms significantly prevail, specifically involvement of lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes.
Keywords: sarcoidosis, ethiopathogenesis, signs and symptoms, treatment
Published: November 9, 2007 Show citation
