ABSTRACT
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease, characterized by formation of noncaseating granulo mas in various organs but most often in the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes. The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. It occurs worldwide and affects persons of both sexes, all races, and all ages. The prevalence of the disease has been estimated in several studies to range from 1 to 80 cases per 100,000 population. Certain ethnic groups and races are more prone to develop sarcoidosis. There are also differences in the severity of disease and patterns of organ involvement in these racial and ethnic groups. Scandinavians, Irish, and U.S. black populations have higher incidence rates of sarcoidosis than other groups. Caucasian patients frequently have a more benign form of the disease, while black patients often have a more severe form of sarcoidosis.
