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Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a rare autoimmune disease where the body's own tissues are attacked leading to small lumps (granulomas). It can affect the lungs, heart, brain, skin and nervous system, eyes and other organs. Sarcoidosis usually affects the lungs or lymph nodes. The skin, liver and eyes are also often affected. Granulomas are small scars on the affected organs. These granulomas are very small and are visible only under a microscope. Tiny granulomas clump together and cause a big scar. Scarring affects the normal functioning of the affected organ. This disease has a tendency to affect more than one organ at a time. In its active phase, sarcoidosis manifests as scar tissues on the affected organs. When sarcoidosis is in a non-active phase, the granulmomas do not grow. Sarcoidosis cases are more pronounced among African -Americans. The highest occurences of Sarcoidosis are noticed among Scandinavians and red-haired Irish women. Sarcoidosis was originally called Hutchinson's disease or Boeck's disease.

Sarcoidosis is treated according to its extent and severity. Symptoms of sarcoidosis include arthritis in the ankles and disturbed heart rhythms. In most cases of mild sarcoidosis, the inflammation is resolved on its own. In severe cases, the damage is permanent. When vital organs are affected by sarcoidosis, it results in death. In many cases, sarciodosis does not manifest in any symptoms. A patient suffering from sarcoidosis notices skin and lung problems, weight loss and fatigue. There may be eye problems and arthritis. Patients suffering from this condition may notice shortness of breath and prolonged cough. Skin lesions may appear. Sarcoidosis is noticed during chest x-rays, blood tests and pulmonary function tests. Biopsies of skin lesions or lymph nodes can help in diagnosing sarcoidosis. Oral steroiods such as prednisone or prednisolone are used in the treatment of sarcoidosis. Topical creams or ointments are used to treat sarcoidosis of the skin or eyes.

Lung biopsy

Lung biopsy involves removal of small piece of lung tissue to check for any conditions such as sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. It is essential to keep the physician informed if the patient is pregnant or taking medications such as warfarin or anticoagulants. Do not eat or drink for 8 to 10 hours before the lung biopsy. The secretions in the mouth and airways is dried up with some medications.

Needle lung biopsy is done with a long needle that is inserted through the chest wall. Ultrasound, fluoroscopy or CT scan are used to aid locating the abnormal lung tissue.

Open lung biopsy may need hospitalization for a couple of days. This procedure involves making an incision between the ribs to take a sample of lung tissue. This is preferred when a larger sample is required and is done under anesthesia. An endotracheal tube is passed through the airways to take a sample of lung tissue.

Bronchoscope lung biopsy is done in cases of suspected infection. The bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth into the airways. This type of lung biopsy is used when abnormal tissue is near the breathing tubes.

VATS Video assisted thorascopic surgery involves use of thorasope to remove a sample of lung tissue.

Mediastinoscopy is conducted under general anesthesia. The mediastinoscope is inserted through an incision made between the lungs. Any abnormal tissues or lymph nodes are examined.