Pathophysiological Gaps, Diagnostic Challenges, and Uncertainties in Cardiac Sarcoidosis

J Am Heart Assoc. 2023 Mar 21;12(6):e027971. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.122.027971. Epub 2023 Mar 9.

Abstract

Cardiac sarcoidosis can mimic any cardiomyopathy in different stages. Noncaseating granulomatous inflammation can be missed, because of the nonhomogeneous distribution in the heart. The current diagnostic criteria show discrepancies and are partly nonspecific and insensitive. Besides the diagnostic pitfalls, there are controversies in the understanding of the causes, genetic and environmental background, and the natural evolution of the disease. Here, we review the current pathophysiological aspects and gaps that are relevant for future cardiac sarcoidosis diagnostics and research.

Keywords: cardiac inflammatory disease; cardiac sarcoidosis; myocarditis; sarcoidosis diagnostic criteria.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathies* / diagnosis
  • Cardiomyopathies* / genetics
  • Cardiomyopathies* / therapy
  • Heart
  • Humans
  • Myocarditis* / diagnosis
  • Sarcoidosis* / complications
  • Sarcoidosis* / diagnosis
  • Sarcoidosis* / therapy