Clinical Trials – Improving Outcomes
As an academic medical center, UT Southwestern offers clinical trials that give eligible patients access to the newest therapies for multiple conditions.
Sarcoidosis
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-6616
At UT Southwestern Medical Center, we take a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating sarcoidosis, a multisystem inflammatory disease.
Combining expert and compassionate care with advanced medical resources, we provide accurate diagnostic services and effective treatments to improve our patients’ quality of life.
What Is Sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is a disorder in which immune cells form clusters called granulomas in various organs, causing inflammation. It most commonly affects the lungs, eyes, and skin, but can also occur in joints and the liver, heart, kidneys, bones, nervous system, and potentially any organ.
Worsening inflammation can cause permanent scarring and may lead to life-threatening complications.
UT Southwestern is a recognized Center of Excellence by the World Association for Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders (WASOG) and the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR), and a founding member of the FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance (GSCA).
We’ve participated in several multicenter sarcoidosis clinical trials and a National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical study. Because of our expertise in treating sarcoidosis, we receive patient referrals from throughout Texas and beyond.
What Causes Sarcoidosis?
The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, but certain genes and gene variations may increase the risk. People who have a close relative with sarcoidosis are more likely to develop the condition.
Certain environmental factors can trigger sarcoidosis, such as:
- Infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi
- Certain cancers and their treatments
- Exposure to certain chemicals or dusts
What Are the Symptoms of Sarcoidosis?
Many people with sarcoidosis experience few or no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can affect various parts of the body.
Common general symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- General feeling of illness or discomfort
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
Many people experience signs and symptoms in the chest, such as:
- Pain
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Some people develop skin problems, such as:
- Hair loss
- Skin growths known as nodules, especially near scars or tattoos
- Skin rashes, particularly on the lower legs
- Sores (lesions) on the face or ears
Symptoms that can affect the eyes include:
- Burning, itching, dryness, redness, or pain
- Discharge
- Sensitivity to light
- Vision loss or blurry vision
Sarcoidosis in the heart can cause symptoms such as:
- Fainting (syncope)
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
- Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
- Swelling caused by excess fluid (edema)
How Is Sarcoidosis Diagnosed?
Our doctors conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes a:
- Discussion of symptoms
- Discussion of personal and family medical history
- Physical exam
To confirm a diagnosis of sarcoidosis and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, we might recommend one or more tests.
Depending on each patient’s symptoms, we might check for evidence of enlarged lymph nodes or tissue inflammation or damage, using imaging studies such as a:
- Chest X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT) scan, specialized X-ray technology that takes cross-sectional images of the inside of the body and produces 3D images
- Echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues
- Positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT scan, in which patients receive an injection of radioactive dye that shows up when scanned with a special camera
Other tests we often order when diagnosing sarcoidosis include:
- Blood and urine tests to check for inflammation and hormone levels and look for signs of other conditions that can cause sarcoidosis
- Lung function testing to assess breathing capacity
- A biopsy to take a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope for the presence of granulomas
What Are Treatments for Sarcoidosis?
Although there is no cure for sarcoidosis, it can go away without treatment in more than half of the cases. For people who have sarcoidosis without major symptoms, we recommend regular monitoring with X-rays and exams of the affected organs.
If treatment is needed, our doctors develop plans tailored to each patient. Treatment most often begins with medications to manage symptoms. Medications we typically prescribe for sarcoidosis include:
- Inhaled medication to relieve shortness of breath
- Corticosteroids taken as pills, injections, inhalants, or topical treatments such as creams for skin lesions or eyedrops
- Immunosuppressants and biologics to reduce immune system activity and inflammation
- Antibiotics to treat infections
People who have severe organ damage caused by sarcoidosis may need transplant surgery to replace the heart, liver, or lungs.
Clinical Trials
As an academic medical center, we participate in clinical trials to improve understanding and treatments for sarcoidosis. In some cases, participants in clinical trials can get access to treatments not available elsewhere.
We’re one of the world’s top academic medical centers, with a unique legacy of innovation in patient care and scientific discovery.
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Professional Office Building 2
5939 Harry Hines Blvd.Dallas, Texas 75390 214-645-8300 Directions to Professional Office Building 2 Parking Info for Professional Office Building 2
2 Clinics at this location