Acute Medicine | Breathlessness 12 knowledge B for GPs

Investigation and Management of Sarcoidosis
Session Overview
Description
This session provides an overview of how to investigate a patient with suspected sarcoidosis. It looks at how to follow up those diagnosed with the condition and it includes some information on appropriate treatment.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Recognise how to make a diagnosis of sarcoidosis
• List the initial investigations needed to assess the extent and severity of the disease
• Classify the radiological features of sarcoidosis
• Identify ways of monitoring disease activity
• Identify who needs treatment and with what agent

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• Complete List of Systemic Signs and Symptoms Associated with Sarcoidosis (003-0031)

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disorder of unknown aetiology, characterised by non-caseating granulomas and CD4 Th1 biased T cell response in affected organs.

It commonly affects the respiratory system but it can affect all organs and present to clinicians of different specialities.

This session gives an overview of the investigations needed to diagnose sarcoidosis, assess its severity and monitor disease activity. It also looks at management of the condition.