Sanjay Shukla, MD, the president and CEO of aTyr Pharma, provides an overview of pulmonary sarcoidosis, including diagnostic indicators.
Pulmonary sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the development and growth of tiny lumps of cells called granulomas, which grow and clump together in the lungs, affecting the organ’s structure and function. Over time, this can lead to permanent scarring or thickening of lung tissue (also called fibrosis).
Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis vary based on the location of the granulomas and the severity of the condition. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is poorly understood. In many cases, treatment is not necessary and the disease will resolve on its own. However, therapies such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antimalarial drugs, are available to control symptoms, prevent complications, and improve outcomes.
The prognosis for people with sarcoidosis is variable and difficult to predict. In most affected people (approximately 60% of cases), the condition resolves over a period of 2-5 years. The risk of relapse is thought to be low in these cases. In some people, sarcoidosis can be chronic and progressive.
Overall, the mortality rate for sarcoidosis is less than 5%. In the United States, mortality is most commonly due to respiratory failure from severe scarring of lung tissue or heart involvement.
Learn more about pulmonary sarcoidosis and other rare lung diseases.