08.02.2024Unravelling Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic, chronic inflammatory disorder involving lymph nodes and lungs characterized by a non-caseating, epithelioid cell granulomatous inflammation of affected organs.

In a recent article, Prof. Thomas F. Lüscher and colleagues summarize the current state of research in cardiac sarcoidosis. The exact pathogenesis is not fully understood, however genetically susceptible individuals do develop an inflammatory response to unknown, yet to be identified antigen(s) resulting in granulomatous inflammation and eventually, fibrosis. Cardiac involvement is particularly concerning; it can be associated with severe clinical complications such as life-threatening arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden cardiac death, while other patients remain asymptomatic.

Florian Wenzl