Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Scientists at the University of Colorado are planning a study to better classify sarcoidosis as it affects the eyes, called ocular sarcoidosis. Having a grasp on the specific biological mechanisms that drive sarcoidosis in different patients could lead to more targeted treatments, researchers say. “Improving our ability to define…

Having elevated levels of a protein called BNP is associated with an increased risk of death and serious heart health problems in people with cardiac sarcoidosis, a study has found. Results also suggest inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) or reduced function of the left ventricle (the part of…

Researchers in Austria and the U.K. have created the first mouse model that mimics the human disease of cardiac sarcoidosis. “To our best knowledge this is the first animal model of cardiac sarcoidosis that recapitulates major … hallmarks of human disease,” scientists wrote, adding that it is expected to…

The Ann Theodore Foundation and the Milken Institute are once again teaming up to offer grants worth up to $3.4 million to help spur research into sarcoidosis. “Varied perspectives and expertise are key to achieving progress in sarcoidosis research, which will then lead to better treatment,” Lisa…

MRI scans of the heart may help in predicting the risk of cardiac sarcoidosis recurring after initial successful treatment, a study reports. A greater extent of scarred heart tissue prior to treatment, in particular, was associated with a five times higher risk of relapse. The presence of sarcoidosis only…

Death rates while waiting for a lung transplant are disproportionally higher among people with pulmonary sarcoidosis than for those with other lung disorders, a U.S. study shows. “Our research shows that further consideration needs to be given to how we classify patients with sarcoidosis and how we calculate their…

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is funding a new research project that aims to find biological markers that could help identify people with sarcoidosis who are at risk of developing advanced lung disease. The work will be led by Christen Vagts, MD, an early career physician scientist…

Patterns of multiorgan involvement in African Americans with sarcoidosis differ from those of Americans of European ancestry, a study suggests. But in both groups, certain genetic mutations are associated with specific patterns of organ involvement. Collectively, its findings “support ancestry-specific differences likely resulting from distinct social, cultural, and environmental…

Cardiac sarcoidosis affects slightly more women, but men with the disease are at higher risk of potentially fatal heart rhythm abnormalities, according to a study in Japan. The findings suggest more aggressive preventive treatment for heart problems may be warranted for men with cardiac sarcoidosis, the researchers noted in “…

Sarcoidosis patients who are male or carry a genetic variation called HLA-DRB1*07 are more likely to have lymphopenia — low levels of white blood cells called lymphocytes — a known risk factor for more severe disease. That is according to a study, “Peripheral blood lymphopenia in sarcoidosis…