Sarcoidosis is a little-known condition that may attack virtually every organ in the body, is very difficult to diagnose and for which there are very few treatments, and certainly no cure. The incidence and prevalence in Australia is unknown, but is probably 20-30/100,000 representing between 5-8,000 patients nationally.
Sarcoidosis may present acutely, with a sudden and severe onset, or may have a slow, insidious presentation. Disease duration and severity vary. Some patients may have a relatively short disease duration of several months to a year or two, with the disease then going into remission, either spontaneously or with the help of medication. Other patients may develop a chronic form of sarcoidosis in which the disease remains active for many years. Progression of the disease over time may lead to increasing morbidity, often lung and heart transplants or death.
