This is why so many cases of sarcoidosis are discovered by chance during a routine x-ray. Sarcoidosis can affect nearly any organ, with the possible exception of the adrenal gland. Swollen hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes are not exclusive to sarcoidosis. There are differences in the type of inflammation that help differentiate the diagnoses of these disorders. Sometimes CT scanning provides a more detailed picture that can help eliminate other possibilities.
Infiltration refers to the abnormal presence of granulomas in the lung tissue.
Depending on how severe and extensive the pulmonary infiltration is, it can cause various respiratory symptoms. Fibrosis tends to develop in areas where the infiltration lasts a long time or where it is especially dense. Fibrosis causes the lungs to stiffen, making it difficult to breathe. Unfortunately, fibrosis is irreversible. If extensive, it can cause severe dysfunction and, at its worse, can lead to heart failure.