Editorial: Sarcoidosis diagnosis and treatment based on etiology

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Source: Frontiers Medicine

Original: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2026.1802542...

Published: 2026-03-03T00:00:00Z

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs, leading to inflammation and possible organ damage.[1] Symptoms often begin with general symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and weight loss, but vary according to the organ affected.[1] Etiology involves genetic and environmental factors, with HLA-DRB101 and DRB104 being protective in Caucasian populations, while HLA-DRB103, 11, 12, 14, and 15 are risk factors.[1] Pathogenesis begins with antigen presentation by cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells to CD4+ T-cells, leading to granulomas and an exaggerated Th1 immune response with high levels of TNF-α and interleukins 12, 15, and 18.[1] The diagnosis is difficult due to the varied course and the absence of a definitive test, it is confirmed by biopsy with non-caseous granulomas and the exclusion of other causes.[1][2] Treatment is complicated by a variable course, requiring a personalized approach, with the first line being corticosteroids in symptomatic patients.[1][2] Understanding the etiology helps improve patient management and future treatment strategies.[1] Most patients go into remission without treatment, but the advanced stage has a worse prognosis.[2]