Joint pains may be present. If there is any permanent organ dysfunction, it is mostly mild, stable, and rarely progressive. It is these cases which may proceed to chronic sarcoidosis. This form of the disease, with permanent damage to the lung and other organs, may wax and wane over many years. Where the pleurae are involved there is usually an unilateral pleural effusion present.
Blindness can eventuate.
All other body systems may be affected to greater or lesser degree, but most of the morbidity and mortality associated with sarcoidosis involves respiratory tract problems and abnormalities. Investigations Chest X-ray. Transbronchial biopsy of lung parenchyma for evidence of typical diffuse changes. Biopsy of lesion and histopathology for evidence of non-caseating granuloma formation. Other investigation depend upon particular organ involvement, or suspicion of involvement.