Sarcoidosis Abstracts at ACR24

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect various organs in the body, most commonly the lungs and lymph glands. It is characterized by the formation of tiny clumps of inflammatory cells known as granulomas. These granulomas can interfere with how an organ functions, leading to symptoms that vary depending on which organs are involved. In the lungs, for instance, sarcoidosis can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. While the exact cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown, it is thought to result from the body's immune system responding to an unknown substance. Treatment often involves managing symptoms with medications like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prevent further organ damage. Though sarcoidosis can resolve on its own in some cases, chronic or severe forms of the disease may require long-term treatment.

View all Sarcoidosis Abstracts from previous years

2024 American College of Rheumatology Conference abstracts on Sarcoidosis

The Incidence and Prevalence of Sarcoidosis in England

This study examines the occurrence of sarcoidosis in England using data from primary care electronic health records. The research found that the prevalence of sarcoidosis increased from 40 per 100,000 people in 2003 to 168 per 100,000 people in 2023. The incidence, or the rate of new cases, also rose by 21% from 6.81 per 100,000 person-years in 2003 to 8.22 in 2022. The study highlights that sarcoidosis is more commonly diagnosed in males and people aged 40-60 years, with a notable increase in diagnoses among males over 60 years old.

Mycophenolate Mofetil in the Treatment of Patients with Isolated Cardiac Sarcoidosis 

This study evaluates the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), a medication that modifies the immune system, in treating patients with isolated cardiac sarcoidosis (iCS). iCS is a form of sarcoidosis where only the heart is affected, leading to symptoms like heart failure, arrhythmias, and atrioventricular block. The researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with iCS and treated with MMF. They assessed clinical outcomes such as worsening heart failure, new arrhythmias, and the need for devices like left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) or heart transplants. Radiologic outcomes were also evaluated based on changes in myocardial uptake on PET scans and left ventricular ejection fraction on echocardiograms. The study aims to provide insights into the clinical and radiologic outcomes of MMF treatment in iCS patients.

Investigation of Sarcoidosis-associated Neuropathy: Challenges with Diagnosis of Small Fiber Neuropathy 

This study explores the difficulties in diagnosing small fiber neuropathy (SFN) in patients with sarcoidosis. SFN is a condition where nerve damage affects the small fibers, leading to symptoms like pain and numbness. The researchers evaluated 20 patients with biopsy-confirmed sarcoidosis using various diagnostic tools, including the Utah Early Neuropathy Scale (UENS), Toronto Consensus Criteria (TCC), electromyography (EMG), and skin biopsy. They found that while the TCC was more likely to identify SFN in patients with suspected neuropathy, skin biopsy and EMG did not show significant differences between those with and without neuropathy. The study suggests that skin biopsy may not be a reliable diagnostic tool for SFN in sarcoidosis patients and highlights the need for better screening methods.

The Use of Electromyography as a Screening Tool in Sarcoidosis-associated Neuropathy 

This study evaluates whether EMG, a test that measures muscle response to nerve stimulation, is effective in diagnosing neuropathy (nerve damage) in patients with sarcoidosis. The researchers compared EMG results with other diagnostic tests, such as skin biopsies and clinical evaluations, in a group of patients with biopsy-confirmed sarcoidosis. They found that EMG may not be a reliable screening tool for sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy, as some patients with normal EMG results still had neuropathy confirmed by other tests. The study suggests that EMG alone may not be sufficient for diagnosing this condition.

Cardiac Sarcoidosis Is Associated with a High Mortality: Retrospective Analysis of a Cohort at Mayo Clinic Florida 

This study conducted at Mayo Clinic Florida examines the mortality rates among patients with cardiac sarcoidosis, a condition where inflammation causes clusters of cells (granulomas) in the heart. The retrospective analysis included patients diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis and found that the condition is associated with a high mortality rate. Out of the patients studied, several passed away due to complications such as cardiogenic shock, cardiopulmonary arrest, and side effects of immunosuppressive therapy. The study highlights the need for better management and treatment strategies for cardiac sarcoidosis to improve patient outcomes.

Comparative Effectiveness of Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs for Cardiac Sarcoidosis 

This study compares the effectiveness of different DMARDs (medications that modify the immune system) in treating cardiac sarcoidosis. Researchers looked at three drugs: methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine. They analyzed data from patients with and without cardiac sarcoidosis to see how well these drugs worked in preventing serious heart outcomes, such as needing a pacemaker or experiencing cardiac arrest. The study found that all three drugs had similar effectiveness in preventing severe heart issues. However, mycophenolate mofetil was associated with a higher risk of serious infections compared to the other two drugs.

Exploring Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis on TNF Inhibitors: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study 

This nationwide retrospective cohort study investigates the effects of TNF inhibitors (a type of medication) on patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. The study aims to understand how these medications impact heart failure, overall survival, and arrhythmias in these patients. By analyzing data from a large healthcare database, researchers compared patients who used TNF inhibitors with those who did not, looking at factors like age, gender, and other health conditions. The findings will help determine the safety and effectiveness of TNF inhibitors in treating cardiac sarcoidosis.

Comparing the Prevalence of Sarcoidosis in Canadian Rural, Urban, and Farming Populations 

This study compares the occurrence of sarcoidosis among people living in rural, urban, and farming areas in Alberta, Canada. Researchers used health data to identify cases of sarcoidosis and found that the prevalence was slightly higher in farming populations compared to rural and urban areas. However, there were no significant differences between the groups. The study helps understand how environmental factors might influence the development of sarcoidosis in different settings.

Understanding the Prevalence, In-Hospital Mortality and Readmission Rates Amongst Pulmonary vs Cardiac Sarcoidosis Patients: Insights from a Nationwide Registry

This study compares the rates of in-hospital mortality and readmission between patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (affects the lungs) and cardiac sarcoidosis (affects the heart). Using data from a nationwide registry, researchers found that while cardiac sarcoidosis patients had more severe health conditions and higher medical costs, the in-hospital mortality rates were similar between the two groups. Both groups also had comparable rates of readmission within 30 days. The most common reasons for readmission included heart failure exacerbation and sepsis.

Treatment Outcomes of TNF-α Inhibitors in Cardiac Sarcoidosis 

This study examines the effectiveness of TNF-α inhibitors, a type of medication, in treating cardiac sarcoidosis. Cardiac sarcoidosis involves inflammation in the heart, which can lead to serious health problems. The researchers analyzed data to understand how well these inhibitors work in reducing heart inflammation and improving heart function in affected patients. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and limitations of using TNF-α inhibitors for managing cardiac sarcoidosis.

FoxP3Hi CTLA4+ ICOS+ Regulatory T Cells Are Expanded in Patients with Sarcoidosis but Not Systemic Sclerosis or IgG4-Related Disease 

This study investigates the presence of a specific type of immune cell, known as FOXP3hi CTLA4+ ICOS+ regulatory T cells, in patients with sarcoidosis. The researchers found that these cells are expanded in sarcoidosis patients compared to those with systemic sclerosis or IgG4-related disease. This discovery could provide insights into the immune mechanisms involved in sarcoidosis and help develop targeted therapies for better management of the condition.

Healthcare Disparities and Clinical Outcomes in Cardiac Sarcoidosis. a Retrospective Cohort Study 

This study examines the differences in healthcare access and treatment outcomes among patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. By analyzing data from a diverse group of patients, the researchers aim to identify disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Understanding these disparities can help improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for all patients with cardiac sarcoidosis, ensuring equitable care and better management of the disease.

Hemodynamic Forces: A Novel Cardiac MRI Parameter to Assess Cardiac Involvement in Sarcoidosis Patients 

This study investigates the use of a new cardiac MRI parameter called hemodynamic forces to evaluate heart involvement in patients with sarcoidosis. Hemodynamic forces are the physical forces exerted by blood flow within the heart. By using cardiac MRI to measure these forces, the researchers aim to improve the detection and assessment of heart problems in sarcoidosis patients. This novel approach could lead to better diagnosis and management of cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis.

Overview of Lung Manifestations in Sarcoidosis and Various Treatment Approaches at a University Center 

This study provides an overview of how sarcoidosis affects the lungs and the different treatment options available at a university center. Sarcoidosis causes inflammation and the formation of lumps called granulomas in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. The study discusses various treatment approaches, including medications and therapies used to manage these lung manifestations.

Key Take Aways for Patients

• Incidence and Prevalence of Sarcoidosis in England: Sarcoidosis prevalence increased significantly from 2003 to 2023, especially among older males.
• Mycophenolate Mofetil for Isolated Cardiac Sarcoidosis: MMF treatment outcomes in isolated cardiac sarcoidosis were assessed, highlighting clinical and radiologic results.
• Diagnosis Challenges of Small Fiber Neuropathy in Sarcoidosis: Diagnosing small fiber neuropathy in sarcoidosis patients is difficult; skin biopsy and EMG are not reliable.
• EMG as a Screening Tool in Sarcoidosis Neuropathy: EMG may not be sufficient alone for diagnosing sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy.
• High Mortality in Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Cardiac sarcoidosis has high mortality, underscoring the need for improved treatment strategies.
• Effectiveness of DMARDs in Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine show similar effectiveness with varied infection risks.
• Clinical Outcomes with TNF Inhibitors in Cardiac Sarcoidosis: TNF inhibitors' effects on cardiac sarcoidosis patients' heart failure, survival, and arrhythmias were studied.
• Sarcoidosis Prevalence in Canadian Populations: Slightly higher sarcoidosis prevalence in farming populations compared to rural and urban areas.
• Mortality and Readmission in Pulmonary vs Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Cardiac and pulmonary sarcoidosis have similar in-hospital mortality rates but higher medical costs for cardiac patients.
• TNF-α Inhibitors in Cardiac Sarcoidosis: TNF-α inhibitors reduce heart inflammation and improve heart function in cardiac sarcoidosis.
• Expansion of Regulatory T Cells in Sarcoidosis: Specific regulatory T cells are expanded in sarcoidosis patients, aiding in immune mechanism understanding.
  
• Healthcare Disparities in Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Identifies disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for cardiac sarcoidosis patients, aiming to improve care.
• Hemodynamic Forces in Cardiac MRI for Sarcoidosis: Investigates a novel cardiac MRI parameter to better detect and manage heart involvement in sarcoidosis patients.
  
• Lung Manifestations in Sarcoidosis and Treatments: Provides an overview of lung sarcoidosis symptoms and various treatment approaches at a university center.