In some cases, removal of the thymus gland may help the disorder. Females tend to be more commonly affected. Multiple systems throughout the body can show symptoms. Granulomas, or inflammatory nodules, develop in organs and throughout the body. Chest X-rays are commonly monitored in sarcoidosis, since nodules in and around the lungs can be visualized.
Skin nodules can occur, as well as muscle aches, generalized fatigue, and low grade fever.
Less commonly, neurological and central nervous system involvement can occur, potentially affecting the visual system. An inflammatory neuropathy of the optic nerve of one or both eyes can lead to a loss of vision, or blind spots in the vision. Involvement of the brain itself can cause visual loss. The most common ocular complication of sarcoid is inflammation within the eye, known as iritis or uveitis. In fact, sarcoidosis is one of the most common identifiable causes of uveitis in adults.