Isolated cardiac sarcoidosis: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Immunology
• Rare Diseases

Background:

• Isolated cardiac sarcoidosis is a rare condition affecting only the heart.
• It can lead to severe complications like arrhythmias and heart failure.
• This specific entity remains understudied, lacking systematic reviews.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the existing literature on isolated cardiac sarcoidosis.
• To characterize the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of this condition.
• To identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted from 1978 to 2025.
• 14 relevant studies, predominantly case series, were included.
• Data on patient demographics, clinical features, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed.

Main Results:

• The condition affects both sexes equally, typically in patients aged 55-65 years.
• Isolated cardiac sarcoidosis is linked to reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and worse survival compared to multi-organ disease.
• Diagnostic criteria variability and potential selection bias were noted limitations.

Conclusions:

• Isolated cardiac sarcoidosis is a distinct and severe clinical entity with limited data.
• Its poorer prognosis highlights the need for specific diagnostic and management guidelines.
• Multicenter studies are crucial for advancing understanding and patient care.