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Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown cause. Nests of cells (noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas) appear in many tissues, including the lung, lymph nodes and liver. The disease is recognized in many parts of the world. Blacks are affected about 15 times more often than whites in the United States, with the highest incidences in the southeastern states. Pulmonary lymph node involvement is typical. Fibrosis or scarring may be widespread. Lung function may be abnormal. In addition to lung involvement, there may be enlargement of lymph nodes, facial nerve palsy, uveitis, erythema nodosum, subcutaneous nodules, lupus pernio, polyarthralgias, arthritis, cystic bone lesions, nephrocalcinosis, myocardial disease and neurologic problems which may include peripheral nerve damage and diabetes. Liver biopsy reveals hepatic granuloma in about 75 percent of patients. There is no specific treatment for sarcoidosis, however, symptoms are treated as needed. Additional publications: Bloom
R, Sybert A, Mascatello V.J.: Granulomatous biliary tract obstruction
due to sarcoidosis. Report of a case and review of the literature. Am
Rev. Resp. Dis. 117:783, 1978. The American Liver Foundation is the only national voluntary health organization dedicated to preventing, treating, and curing hepatitis and all other liver and gallbladder diseases through research and education.
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