What organs are affected by sarcoidosis disease?

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system inflammatory disease that can affect various organs and tissues in the body. While it can involve multiple organs, some of the most commonly affected ones include:

1. Lungs: Sarcoidosis often affects the lungs, leading to the formation of small, round granulomas (collections of inflammatory cells) in the lung tissue. This can cause symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness.

2. Lymph Nodes: Sarcoidosis commonly involves the lymph nodes, particularly those in the chest area (hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes). The lymph nodes may become enlarged and reactive due to the inflammatory process.

3. Skin: Sarcoidosis can manifest on the skin in various forms. Skin lesions may appear as red, raised bumps (erythema nodosum), reddish-brown patches or plaques (lupus pernio), or as small, firm bumps under the skin (subcutaneous sarcoidosis).

4. Eyes: Sarcoidosis can affect the eyes, causing a condition known as uveitis. Uveitis involves inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye. Symptoms may include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

5. Liver: Sarcoidosis can affect the liver, leading to the formation of granulomas in the liver tissue. This may cause liver enlargement (hepatomegaly), elevated liver enzymes, and in some cases, liver failure.

6. Spleen: The spleen may also be involved in sarcoidosis, leading to enlargement (splenomegaly) and potential complications such as hypersplenism (reduced blood cell production).

7. Heart: Sarcoidosis can affect the heart, causing inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis). This may lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat.

8. Kidneys: In some cases, sarcoidosis may affect the kidneys, leading to inflammation and potential damage to the kidney tissue. This can lead to abnormal kidney function and even kidney failure.

9. Central Nervous System: Sarcoidosis can rarely affect the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, such as headaches, seizures, vision changes, and cognitive impairments.

It's important to note that not all individuals with sarcoidosis experience involvement of all these organs. The specific organs affected and the severity of the disease can vary from person to person.