Sarcoidosis causes the immune system to form clumps of inflammatory cells called granulomas. Too many granulomas in one area of the body can cause a range of symptoms, including a rash, shortness of breath, a heart attack, and even organ failure. The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown.
Types of Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis most often affects the lungs. This is called pulmonary sarcoidosis. Severe pulmonary sarcoidosis can cause pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, bronchiectasis, aspergilloma, and other problems.
Other types of sarcoidosis include:
- Cutaneous sarcoidosis affects the skin and causes a rash with red, painful bumps called erythema nodosum.
- Cardiac sarcoidosis affects the heart and can cause arrhythmias, heart attacks, pericarditis, heart valve problems, heart failure, and more.
- Ocular sarcoidosis affects the eyes and can lead to vision problems, glaucoma, cataracts, and more.
- Neurosarcoidosis affects the nervous system and can cause headaches, facial paralysis, vision changes, weakness, and more.
- Renal sarcoidosis affects the kidneys and can cause kidney failure.
- Hepatic sarcoidosis affects the liver and can cause liver disease.