Diagnosing Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a disease that affects the whole body and causes small, red, and swollen lumps called granulomas. These granulomas can develop in any organ in the body, but they most commonly affect the lungs and lymph nodes in the chest.
To diagnose sarcoidosis, several examinations, screening tests, and procedures are used. These tests help confirm the presence of sarcoidosis and determine its type, severity, and stage. Specialists who may be involved in diagnosing sarcoidosis include:
- Neurologists (brain and nervous system specialist): They may perform tests like electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of muscles, nerve conduction tests to see how fast signals travel through the nerves, spinal taps to check spinal fluid for signs of inflammation, and evoked potentials tests to evaluate the brain’s response to light, sound, or touch. These tests help identify nerve or brain problems caused by sarcoidosis.
- Ophthalmologists (eye specialists): They conduct eye exams to check for eye damage, which can occur without symptoms in people with sarcoidosis.
- Pulmonologists (lung specialists): They perform lung function tests to check for breathing problems and may also use chest X-rays to look for granulomas or scarring in the lungs and heart.
- Cardiologists (heart specialists): They monitor how the heart is working using tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity, an echocardiogram to create images of the heart using sound waves, or a cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to take detailed pictures of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. These tests can help detect any heart problems caused by sarcoidosis. Although cardiac involvement is rare, it can be life-threatening.
Additional examinations, tests, or procedures that help determine the type, severity, or stage of sarcoidosis include:
- Biopsy: A biopsy of the skin, lymph nodes, lungs, or other affected organs may be done to confirm the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. A bronchoscopy is a procedure used to collect a tissue sample from the lungs or lymph nodes in the chest.
- Blood tests: These check blood counts, hormone levels, and kidney function.
- Imaging tests: Other imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound can be used to look for granulomas or inflammation in the heart, eyes, lymph nodes, or other areas.
- Chest X-rays: In addition to diagnosing sarcoidosis, chest X-rays also help determine the stage of the disease.
- CT (computed tomography) scan: This type of scan provides detailed images that can assess lymph node involvement and lung damage.
- PET (positron emission tomography) scan: A PET scan of the whole body (or specific body parts) can be performed to identify areas affected by sarcoidosis.
- Echocardiogram or MRI of the heart: These imaging tests focus on assessing any involvement or damage to the heart.
By conducting these examinations and tests, healthcare professionals can confirm a diagnosis of sarcoidosis and gather information about its type, severity, and stage. This information is crucial for determining appropriate treatment plans and monitoring the progress of the disease. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider who will guide you through these diagnostic processes based on your specific situation.