Sarcoidosis: a state of the art review from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Sarcoidosis: a state of the art review from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.
Med J Aust. 2018 May 07;
Authors: Ahmadzai H, Huang S, Steinfort C, Markos J, Allen RK, Wakefield D, Wilsher M, Thomas PS
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown aetiology, characterised by non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. It most commonly manifests in the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes but can affect any organ. This summary of an educational resource provided by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand outlines the current understanding of sarcoidosis and highlights the need for further research. Our knowledge of the aetiology and immunopathogenesis of sarcoidosis remains incomplete. The enigma of sarcoidosis lies in its immunological paradox of type 1 T helper cell-dominated local inflammation co-existing with T regulatory-induced peripheral anergy. Although specific aetiological agents have not been identified, mounting evidence suggests that environmental and microbial antigens may trigger sarcoidosis. Genome-wide association studies have identified candidate genes conferring susceptibility and gene expression analyses have provided insights into cytokine dysregulation leading to inflammation. Sarcoidosis remains a diagnosis of exclusion based on histological evidence of non-caseating granulomas with compatible clinical and radiological findings. In recent years, endobronchial ultrasound-guided trans...

Source: Medical Journal of Australia - May 4, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: Med J Aust Source Type: research