Sarcoidosis affects organs

January 11, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My wife was diagnosed with multi-organ sarcoidosis. It has caused a third-degree heart block. It has been identified in her lungs, brain, liver, lymph nodes and has caused severe skin lesions. Steroids have helped but she was taken off them because of rapid bone loss that will result in a hip replacement in the future. Her current panel of doctors seems to be stumped as to what to do next. Do we have any options, or is there any new treatment that maybe has not made its way to our area yet?

DEAR READER: Sarcoidosis is caused by the development and growth of clusters of inflammatory cells in various areas of the body. Most commonly, the lesions appear in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes and skin.
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Sarcoidosis treatment: Watch and wait

September 25, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis after many bone-marrow tests, blood work, X-rays, pet scans and finally by removal of my spleen, which was greatly enlarged and filled with nodules. I requested a second opinion on the diagnosis, and the second doctor agreed with the first. It is inactive but in my lungs, and he tells me the normal treatment is 60 milligrams of prednisone daily for up to two years to reduce the scarring and inflammation. But, with that high dose, it will cause other major problems.

I am white, in my late 50s and have multiple other problems — asthma, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, rosacea, borderline high cholesterol, osteoarthritis and low oxygen at night that isn’t sleep apnea. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

July 16, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My son was just recently diagnosed with sarcoidosis and is being treated with prednisone. I understand that this is becoming more common in recent years and wondered if you have any information about it.

DEAR READER:
Sarcoidosis occurs when inflammation causes tiny lumps of cells (granulomas). The granulomas can continue to grow and clump together to form larger lumps or groups of lumps. If many form in an organ, function is affected.

Sarcoidosis can occur in nearly any part of the body but most often affects the lungs and/or lymph nodes. Other commonly affected areas are the skin, eyes and liver. Very rarely, sarcoidosis can be found in the thyroid gland, kidneys, reproductive organs and breasts. More than one organ is involved in nearly all cases. [Read more...]

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