Chapters authored
Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown origin characterized by the infiltration of non-necrotizing granulomas that can affect any organ. The presentation of cardiac involvement can range from slight infiltration to complete atrioventricular block, ventricular arrhythmia, or cardiac failure. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion; approach to treatment depends upon the presence, or absence, of extracardiac sarcoidosis; sometimes a biopsy of the myocardial tissue is the only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging technique which can provide information useful in diagnosis of this condition. If there is active inflammation, the fundamental form of treatment is immunosuppression therapy. Other concomitant treatments can be required such as the implantation of devices or modulation of arrhythmias. The prognosis is conditioned depending upon the extent of the disease and response to the therapy.
Part of the book: Sarcoidosis and Granulomatosis