USMLE Prep - Medical Reference Library

Sarcoidosis — Extrapulmonary Manifestations & Care

System: Rheumatology • Reviewed: Aug 31, 2025 • Step 1Step 2Step 3

Synopsis:

Beyond pulmonary disease, sarcoidosis affects eyes, heart, skin, liver, and nervous system. Screen key organs and treat when organ‑threatening or symptomatic; use steroid‑sparing agents for chronic disease.

Key Points

  • Stabilize ABCs; begin targeted evaluation without delaying life-saving therapy.
  • Use system-specific risk tools to guide testing and disposition.
  • Order high-yield tests first; escalate imaging when indicated.
  • Start evidence-based initial therapy and reassess frequently.

Algorithm

  1. Primary survey and vitals; IV access and monitors.
  2. Focused history/physical; identify red flags and likely etiologies.
  3. Order system-appropriate labs and imaging (see Investigations).
  4. Initiate guideline-based empiric therapy (see Pharmacology).
  5. Reassess response; arrange consultation and definitive management.

Clinical Synopsis & Reasoning

For Sarcoidosis Extrapulmonary Manifestations Care, frame the differential by acuity and pathophysiology, then align diagnostics to the leading hypotheses. Prioritize stabilization while obtaining high‑yield studies such as CBC (Baseline hematology), BMP (Electrolytes/renal). Incorporate bedside imaging and targeted labs to define severity and identify complications; synthesize results with clinical trajectory to refine the working diagnosis and disposition needs.


Treatment Strategy & Disposition

Initiate disease‑directed therapy alongside supportive care, titrating to objective response. Pharmacologic options commonly include Analgesia/Antipyretics. Use validated frameworks (e.g., Organ‑Threatening Disease) to guide escalation and site of care. Address precipitating factors, de‑escalate empiric therapies with data, and arrange follow‑up for monitoring and risk‑factor modification; admit patients with instability, high risk of deterioration, or needs for close monitoring.


Management Notes

Exclude TB/fungal infections before systemic immunosuppression. Vitamin D metabolism is altered—monitor calcium.


Epidemiology / Risk Factors

  • Risk factors vary by condition and patient profile

Investigations

TestRole / RationaleTypical FindingsNotes
CBCBaseline hematologyAbnormal counts
BMPElectrolytes/renalDerangements

Organ‑Threatening Disease

OrganClues/Actions
OcularUveitis/optic neuritis → urgent therapy
CardiacAV block/VT → steroids + ICD as indicated
NeuroFacial palsy/meningitis → high‑dose steroids ± MTX
HypercalcemiaHydration, steroids if severe
CutaneousLupus pernio → systemic agents

Pharmacology

MedicationMechanismOnsetRole in TherapyLimitations
Hold/avoid interfering medsN/AImmediatePrevent spurious lab results (e.g., heparin before mixing study)

Prognosis / Complications

  • Prognosis depends on severity, comorbidities, and timeliness of care

Patient Education / Counseling

  • Explain red flags and when to seek emergent care.
  • Reinforce medication adherence and follow-up plan.

References

  1. WASOG/ERS Sarcoidosis Statements — Link