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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Doctors don't know the exact cause of sarcoidosis. Some people appear to have a genetic predisposition to developing the disease, which may be triggered by exposure to specific bacteria, viruses, dust or chemicals. Researchers are still trying to pinpoint the genes and trigger substances associated with sarcoidosis.

Normally, your immune system helps protect your body from foreign substances and invading microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. But in sarcoidosis, some immune cells collect in a pattern of inflammation called granulomas. As granulomas build up in an organ, the function of that organ can be affected.

Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013:5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-08373-7..00002-9&isbn=978-0-323-08373-7&about=true&uniqId=343863096-23. Accessed Oct. 31, 2012.
  2. Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Oct. 31, 2012.
  3. Baughman RP, et al. A concise review of pulmonary sarcoidosis. American Journal of Respiratory and Clinical Care Medicine. 2011;183:573.
  4. AskMayoExpert. What is the treatment for sarcoidosis? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  5. AskMayoExpert. Is sarcoidosis considered an urgent situation? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  6. AskMayoExpert. What are the clinical symptoms of sarcoidosis? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  7. O'Regan A, et al. Sarcoidosis. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2012;156:ICT5:1.
  8. AskMayoExpert. If sarcoidosis is suspected, should the patient be referred to a pulmonologist? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  9. Morgenthau AS, et al. Recent advances in sarcoidosis. Chest. 2011;139:174.
  10. AskMayoExpert. What clinical tests should be performed when sarcoidosis is suspected? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  11. AskMayoExpert. What are the considerations for treatment of sarcoidosis symptoms? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
DS00251 Jan. 10, 2013

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