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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Sarcoidosis and Systemic Comorbidities: Sex-Related Differences in a Multicenter Italian Cohort
Tommaso Pianigiani1, Giulio Natalello2, Elisa Bianchi3,4
1Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy, tommaso.pianigian@student.unisi.it.
Summary
This study reveals significant sex-specific differences in sarcoidosis comorbidities and organ involvement. Female sarcoidosis patients experience more autoimmune issues and extrapulmonary disease, highlighting the need for sex-aware care.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with varied organ involvement.
- Extrapulmonary sarcoidosis and comorbidities significantly impact patient outcomes.
- Limited data exists on sex-specific patterns of sarcoidosis comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-specific patterns of systemic comorbidities in sarcoidosis patients.
- To analyze sex-related differences in sarcoidosis phenotype and organ involvement.
- To inform personalized management strategies for sarcoidosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,313 sarcoidosis patients from five Italian centers.
- Systematic recording and analysis of comorbidities, phenotype, and treatment by biological sex.
- Organ involvement assessed using the WASOG Sarcoidosis Organ Assessment Instrument.
Main Results:
- Female patients had higher rates of autoimmune, bone, and psychiatric comorbidities.
- Women exhibited greater extrapulmonary sarcoidosis, especially cutaneous and ocular.
- Malignancy was more frequent in women, linked to comorbidities, not treatment.
Conclusions:
- Sarcoidosis presents with distinct sex-specific patterns of comorbidities and organ expression.
- Findings underscore the importance of sex-aware clinical assessment in sarcoidosis.
- Further prospective studies are needed to refine personalized sarcoidosis management.
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