On my monthly radio show “The Buzz with Dr. Z” on WRTA I recently discussed a disease which I see several times a year. The disease is one called sarcoidosis. This is a multiorgan disease but most often presents with enlargement of the lymph nodes in the chest. The patient may be asymptomatic and it is found on a routine chest x-ray or cat scan of the chest. The disease may have a variable outcome. Most of the time patients do not need any special treatment and the disease resolves on its own. However, because sarcoidosis may involve many organs some patients have serious consequences and some die.
Following the show an article came up that gave me some pause. The researchers studying mortality from sarcoidosis in US veterans found that the mortality from sarcoidosis in veterans is rising. Differences were identified by service branch and there was a higher risk among male veterans. The fact that the mortality from this disease was rising in male veterans raises the question of environmental exposures. Racial disparities were small highlighting, perhaps, the more universal health care received by veterans through the VA Health System.
What does this mean to local veterans? If you have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis, you need to have regular follow up exams until it is clear that the disease is resolving. Any evidence that it may be progressing needs to be met with careful attention and follow up. Thank you for your service.
