Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas in affected tissues. Its etiology remains unclear, but it is believed to result from an exaggerated immune response to an unknown antigen in genetically predisposed individuals. The disease can affect virtually any organ, with the lungs and lymphatic system being the most commonly involved sites. Clinically, sarcoidosis presents with a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic cases detected incidentally on imaging to severe organ dysfunction. Pulmonary sarcoidosis may manifest as cough, dyspnea, and chest discomfort, while extrapulmonary involvement can affect the skin, eyes, liver, heart, and nervous system. From a pathology standpoint, digital pathology plays a crucial role in diagnosing sarcoidosis by enabling detailed visualization and analysis of granulomatous inflammation. Histologically, the hallmark is tightly clustered, non-caseating granulomas composed of epithelioid histiocytes, multinucleated giant cells, and a sparse lymphocytic infiltrate. Special stains and molecular studies help exclude infectious mimics.
Maaz Ahsan Majoka, MBBS, MD is a pathology trainee at Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. He is committed to improving pathology diagnostics and patient care by integrating digital pathology and innovative techniques.
