It is also more common in whites of northern European descent than in other whites. Although sarcoidosis is not a common cause of death, the mortality rate among African Americans is more than 13 times that of whites. The cause for sarcoidosis remains a mystery. Theories suggest that an exaggerated defense reaction against some event or substance perceived as a threat by the immune system may trigger the condition and that there may be contributing genetic factors. Research is currently being done on the cause of sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis is often asymptomatic.
Diagnostic tests include chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests and special blood tests. In most cases a biopsy is necessary to fully establish the diagnosis. About 50 percent of sarcoidosis patients improve spontaneously, and fatality occurs in fewer than one in 20. Racial and ethnic minority terminology reflects those terms used by the Centers For Disease Control. Related links on the Web These sites are not part of The American Lung Association web site, and we have no control over their content or availability.