ABSTRACT
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology. Although the most common clinical manifestations are bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, pulmonary infiltration, skin and eye involvement, its clinical course can be variable and unpredictable and may mimic other diseases. An acute onset with erythema nodosum and hilar lymphadenopathy leads to a benign self-limiting course that can often be shortened by corticosteroid therapy. An insidious onset is usually followed by progressive pulmonary fibrosis and organ damage. This may be modified but not necessarily prevented by corticosteroids. Granulomata can be distributed throughout the body without causing significant organ dysfunction or may be concentrated in one or more organs with striking clinical effects. Ocular involvement is seen in 25% to 50% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis and can precede involvement of other organs by years.
