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Is sarcoidosis always fatal?

Is sarcoidosis always fatal?

For a small number of people, sarcoidosis is a chronic condition. In some people, the disease may result in the deterioration of the affected organ. Rarely, sarcoidosis can be fatal. Death usually is the result of complications with the lungs, heart, or brain.

What is the life expectancy of a person with neurosarcoidosis?

Most patients have a normal life expectancy. About 1 to 8 percent of cases are fatal, and it depends on the severity and location of the disease. Signs of a poor prognosis include advanced scarring of the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis) and pulmonary hypertension.

How serious is neurosarcoidosis?

Neurosarcoidosis is an uncommon but potentially serious manifestation of sarcoidosis. While the cranial nerves are most frequently affected, neurosarcoidosis can involve other nervous system tissues including the meninges, brain parenchyma (especially the hypothalamic region), spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle.

How do you get neurosarcoidosis?

The cause of neurosarcoidosis is unknown. Some factors thought to contribute to risk include infections, immune system disorders and genetics. It usually develops in people between the ages of 20 and 40. It is most common among Swedish and African-American people, although it can occur in anyone.

What is the best treatment for neurosarcoidosis?

No established treatment guidelines exist for neurosarcoidosis. The general consensus among neurologists has been to initially treat with high-dose corticosteroids, often oral prednisone, followed by transition to immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate or azathioprine.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in any part of your body — most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. But it can also affect the eyes, skin, heart and other organs.

What areas of the body are affected by sarcoidosis?

The areas of the body commonly affected by sarcoidosis include: lymph nodes. lungs. eyes. skin. liver. heart.

What happens if sarcoidosis is not treated?

Lungs. Untreated pulmonary sarcoidosis can lead to permanent scarring in your lungs (pulmonary fibrosis), making it difficult to breathe and sometimes causing pulmonary hypertension. Eyes. Inflammation can affect almost any part of your eye and may cause damage to the retina, which can eventually cause blindness.

What is the outlook for people with sarcoidosis?

The outlook is generally good for people with sarcoidosis. Many people live relatively healthy, active lives. Symptoms often improve with or without treatment in about two years. In some cases, however, sarcoidosis can become a long-term condition.