[Significant extrapulmonary manifestations of sarcoidosis]

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous multisystem disorder of unknown genesis. Although the course is most often benign and self-limiting, serious or life-threatening extrapulmonary manifestations may occur when heart, central nervous system, kidney or the haemopoietic system are involved. In these cases, corticosteroid treatment is necessary to suppress the inflammation, prevent fibrosis in vital organs, and improve the general condition.