Sarcoidosis

Definition: WHAT: Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis: a disorder of unknown etiology that affects many organ systems with noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas. It has a special predilection for the lung and lymph tissues. WHY: Sarcoidosis can result in an acute arthritis commonly affecting the ankles and knees and less commonly the proximal interphalangeal joints, wrists, and elbows. The acute arthritis is symmetric and lasts for a few weeks. A less common chronic arthritis is destructive and may have dactylitis and telescoping digits. HOW: Sarcoidosis is a diagnosis of exclusion based on the clinical presentation and histology of biopsy tissue.

Synonyms (terms occurring on more labels are shown first): sarcoidosis

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