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Sarcoidosis
Etiology

Completely unknown.
Pathogenesis

The constitutional symptoms are due to the secretion of cytokines by the activated macrophages called epitheloid cells.
The reduction in respiratory function is due to extensive involvement of lung parenchyma by disease.,
Epidemiology

Much more common in black people than in Caucasians.
Almost unheard of in Asians.
Somewhat more common in women.
General Gross Description

Often, there is no gross alteration in an organ affected by sarcoidosis.
Coalesence of granulomas in advanced disease may give rise to hard nodules.
Lymph node and splenic enlargement without obvious lesions is common.
•Examples:
Multiple Granulomas of the Spleen
General Microscopic Description

Sarcoid is typified by non-caseating granulomas, with epitheloid cells and Langhans giant cells.
Two formations seen in some of these giant cells are (1) laminated, calcified structures called Schaumann bodies or (2) star-shaped "asteroid bodies."
While they are often seen in sarcoidosis, these structures are not pathognomonic of this disease.
•Examples:
References

Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 712.

For Most Current Information Search Medline at National Library of Medicine
This link will directly take you to the relevant new literature
Sarcoidosis
Synopsis by: T.V. Rajan M.D. (T07000D08280)[191]
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