Cardiac sarcoidosis: a review 2011.

Link to article at PubMed

Cardiac sarcoidosis: a review 2011.

Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2011 Jul 7;

Authors: Yeboah J, Lee C, Sharma OP

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis is not always associated with a wide spread of disease, but when present, has been linked with a relatively poor prognosis. This review will delve into new genetic associations, recently reported clinical manifestations and complementary radiographic tools that aid with diagnosis and follow-up. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management remain an intricate maze.Genetic predisposition and associations that include HLA class II molecules and polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor-? have been reported due in part to weakened arguments suggesting autoimmune disorders or dysregulation. In addition, further symptomatologies have been reported that assist with diagnosis.Radiographic tools including Microvolt T wave alternans, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, late gadolinium enhancement and cardiac assist devices, recently being used, are shedding some light on the diagnostic challenges. SUMMARY: Cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis remains a challenging dilemma, relying on a combination of clinical findings and imaging abnormalities because no single diagnostic test has yet emerged with a high degree of specificity and sensitivity. Given its life-threatening nature, prompt establishment of a diagnosis, an aggressive management strategy and devices to prolong life should be pursued.

PMID: 21743332 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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