Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in one or more organs, most commonly the lungs and lymph glands.

Black Americans develop sarcoidosis at approximately three times the rate of white Americans and tend to have more severe disease with greater systemic involvement. Cardiac sarcoidosis, which can cause heart rhythm abnormalities and sudden cardiac death, is more common in Black patients.

Symptoms vary widely but commonly include persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and eye irritation. Many cases are discovered incidentally on chest X-ray.