http://jama.jamanetwork.com/ en-us Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:51:52 GMT Silverchair editor@jama.jamanetwork.com webmaster@jama.jamanetwork.com http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=645254 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Iannuzzi MC, Fontana JR. <span class="paragraphSection">Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder that most often affects the lungs and may cause significant morbidity. Sarcoidosis can manifest as neurological disease, uveitis, blindness, end-stage pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, dysrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, hypercalcemia, and renal failure. Sarcoidosis persists as chronic disease in approximately one-third of those affected. Clinical pitfalls and misconceptions about the course of disease place this population at risk for delayed or inadequate care. While noncaseating granulomas are the histopathological hallmark of sarcoidosis, they also are nonspecific. No pathognomonic diagnostic test exists for sarcoidosis, so the diagnosis remains one of exclusion. While the etiology of sarcoidosis is still unknown, recent insights into its immunopathogenesis have moved investigators closer to finding more effective treatments. Corticosteroids remain the standard of care when treatment is indicated, despite their adverse effect profile. Clinical investigations of novel drugs and biological agents targeting mechanisms involving CD4 type 1 helper T cells may provide more effective, better tolerated therapies.</span> 305 4 391 399 10.1001/jama.2011.10 http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=645254 http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=645329 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Torpy JM, Burke AE, Golub RM. <span class="paragraphSection">Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that usually affects the lungs, causing granulomas (inflammatory nodules). However, it can affect other organs, including the heart, liver, lymph nodes, skin, and eyes. Its symptoms vary depending on the areas of the body affected. Sometimes sarcoidosis is found incidentally, such as when a chest x-ray is taken for another reason. Although the cause is not known, it is thought that there is a genetic (inherited) tendency to develop an immune reaction when exposed to certain particles, which may result in organ damage. Sarcoidosis is not contagious, but proteins from certain bacteria may be involved in triggering the reaction. The January 26, 2011, issue of JAMA includes an article about sarcoidosis. This Patient Page is based on one previously published in the November 1, 2006, issue of JAMA.</span> 305 4 423 423 10.1001/jama.305.4.423 http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=645329