Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
20.9K
Cardiac sarcoidosis: challenges in clinical practice
Anne L Bakker1, Jan C Grutters, Ruth G Keijsers
1aDepartment of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein bDepartment of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein cDivision of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center, Utrecht dDepartment of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|June 30, 2017
Summary
Cardiac sarcoidosis is increasingly recognized due to advanced imaging, but treatment remains challenging. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cardiac sarcoidosis incidence is rising, likely due to enhanced imaging capabilities.
- Improved diagnostic tools like cardiac MRI and PET scans play a crucial role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current recommendations for cardiac sarcoidosis screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
- To highlight challenges in implementing these recommendations in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advancements in cardiac sarcoidosis diagnosis.
- Discussion of emerging imaging techniques such as T1/T2 mapping and integrated PET/MRI.
- Analysis of the role of Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Cardiac MRI (LGE-CMR) for risk assessment.
Main Results:
- Late Gadolinium Enhancement with Cardiac MRI (LGE-CMR) and FDG-PET are central to diagnosis and monitoring.
- Isolated cardiac sarcoidosis is a recognized but challenging phenotype.
- LGE-CMR extent is crucial for risk stratification and defibrillator therapy decisions.
Conclusions:
- Despite improved diagnostics, evidence-based treatment guidelines for cardiac sarcoidosis are lacking.
- A multidisciplinary approach at specialized centers is strongly recommended for optimal patient care.
- Further randomized controlled trials are needed to guide immunosuppressive therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
655
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
655
01:29Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management
408
Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
408
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
568
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
568
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
542
Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
542
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
667
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
667
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
385
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
385