The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Cardiac Sarcoidosis

An inflammatory cardiomyopathy in which non-caseating granulomas of sarcoidosis involve the myocardium, conduction system, or pericardium and may cause heart block, arrhythmia, and heart failure.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Cardiac Sarcoidosis?

Cardiac sarcoidosis is a manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis in which non-caseating granulomas infiltrate the myocardium, with predilection for the basal interventricular septum, the left ventricular free wall, and the conduction system.

Clinical phenotypes range from asymptomatic patients with abnormal cardiac MRI findings to atrioventricular block, sustained ventricular tachycardia, dilated cardiomyopathy, and sudden cardiac death; up to 25 percent of patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis have subclinical cardiac involvement.

Diagnosis combines tissue biopsy of an extracardiac site, late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI, focal FDG uptake on cardiac PET-CT after specific dietary preparation, and exclusion of alternative causes; treatment is based on corticosteroids, steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, and device therapy when indicated.

Symptoms

New-onset palpitations, syncope, or near-syncope episodes
Progressive dyspnea on exertion or symptoms of heart failure
Atrioventricular block, especially in patients younger than 60 years
Sustained or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia
Chest discomfort and reduced exercise tolerance
Constitutional symptoms of systemic sarcoidosis such as fatigue, weight loss, or low-grade fever

Risk Factors

Established diagnosis of pulmonary or systemic sarcoidosis
African and Japanese ancestry, with higher prevalence and severity
Multi-organ sarcoid involvement, particularly skin, eye, or central nervous system
Family history of sarcoidosis
Adult age between 25 and 60 years

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Unexplained syncope or new high-grade atrioventricular block in a young or middle-aged adult — urgent cardiology evaluation
  • Sustained palpitations or documented ventricular arrhythmia in a patient with known sarcoidosis
  • New heart failure or cardiomyopathy of unclear etiology
  • Abnormal cardiac MRI or FDG-PET findings discovered during evaluation of systemic sarcoidosis

Treatment Methods

01
Corticosteroid therapy (prednisone) as first-line immunosuppression to control active inflammation
02
Steroid-sparing agents such as methotrexate, azathioprine, or mycophenolate for maintenance and to reduce steroid toxicity
03
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for ventricular arrhythmia or significant scar burden, and pacemaker for high-grade atrioventricular block
04
Guideline-directed heart failure therapy when left ventricular function is impaired
05
Catheter ablation for refractory ventricular tachycardia and consideration of advanced heart failure therapies, including transplantation, in end-stage disease

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.