title: Cardiac sarcoidosis: a review 2011.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis is not always associated with a wide spread of disease, but when present, has been linked with a relatively poor prognosis. This review will delve into new genetic associations, recently reported clinical manifestations and complementary radiographic tools that aid with diagnosis and follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management remain an intricate maze.Genetic predisposition and associations that include HLA class II molecules and polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor-α have been reported due in part to weakened arguments suggesting autoimmune disorders or dysregulation. In addition, further symptomatologies have been reported that assist with diagnosis.Radiographic tools including Microvolt T wave alternans, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, late gadolinium enhancement and cardiac assist devices, recently being used, are shedding some light on the diagnostic challenges.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis remains a challenging dilemma, relying on a combination of clinical findings and imaging abnormalities because no single diagnostic test has yet emerged with a high degree of specificity and sensitivity. Given its life-threatening nature, prompt establishment of a diagnosis, an aggressive management strategy and devices to prolong life should be pursued.
authors: Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA. Yeboah@usc.edu
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Yeboah
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Lee
authors: Om P
authors: OP
authors: Sharma
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D011379:Prognosis; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha