Sarcoidosis, a rare immune system disorder affecting 1 in 5,000 to 20,000 people, primarily impacts the lungs and lymph nodes but can also affect any organ. In France, 6,000 to 12,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. King Mohammed VI of Morocco is reportedly undergoing treatment for sarcoidosis, which has raised concerns about his health. The disease is characterized by granuloma formation and can vary in severity, requiring long-term monitoring and treatment, often involving corticosteroids.
Sarcoidosis is a rare condition affecting between one in 5,000 and one in 20,000 individuals, as stated by Orphanet, a key resource on rare diseases. In France, approximately 6,000 to 12,000 new cases are identified each year. This non-contagious disease, also known as Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann (BBS) disease, primarily impacts the immune system, with about 90% of cases involving the lungs and lymph nodes. However, it can manifest in various organs, including the skin, bones, liver, heart, eyes, and kidneys.
The condition can lead to significant health concerns. In 2018, a Moroccan king underwent surgery for what was initially thought to be an atrial flutter, but it was later diagnosed as sarcoidosis, undergoing a procedure known as radiofrequency ablation. Cardiologist Éléonore Hebbar from Lille University Hospital mentions that discovering heart involvement first in cases of sarcoidosis is relatively uncommon, as lung issues typically lead to diagnosis.
Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Sarcoidosis is characterized by the formation of clumps of cells, referred to as “granulomas,” in the affected organs. Various types of the disease exist, with the benign form often referred to as Löfgren’s Syndrome. While many cases resolve on their own, some may persist for years, ranging from 5 to 15. A small percentage, about 0.5 to 5%, can turn into severe and potentially fatal forms.
Symptoms can vary significantly; while some individuals remain asymptomatic, others may experience notable signs such as fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Depending on which organs are involved, additional symptoms like a persistent cough, skin lesions, eye disorders, and heart rhythm issues may also arise. A definitive diagnosis often requires a biopsy, as sarcoidosis can mimic other conditions like tuberculosis in imaging studies.
According to the Rothschild Foundation Hospital, ongoing monitoring is essential for several years after a diagnosis, even in mild cases. For more severe manifestations of the disease, treatment primarily involves corticosteroids. The exact causes of sarcoidosis remain unclear, contributing to the challenges in its diagnosis; however, genetic factors may play a role.