Advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mortality in patients with sarcoidosis has primarily been attributed to advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis. This review aims to provide an update on recent clinical studies that help to better phenotype these patients, discuss new treatment options, and suggest areas where additional research is needed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diagnosis and management of advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis has changed as new technologies and treatment options have emerged. Clinical phenotypes of advanced disease have evolved to show overlap in presentation with other interstitial lung diseases. Assessment involves more advanced imaging modalities. New promising treatment options are being studied. Pulmonary rehabilitation and lung transplantation are being utilized to improve health-related quality of life and survival.

SUMMARY

Patients with advanced pulmonary fibrosis can have variable clinical, radiographic, histopathologic presentation. Given the poor health-related quality of life and high rates of mortality, medical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation may benefit these patients. Lung transplantation should be considered in those with end-stage disease.