Imaging the inflammatory activity of sarcoidosis

Eur Respir J. 2013 Mar;41(3):743-51. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00088612. Epub 2012 Sep 27.

Abstract

Accurate assessment of pulmonary and extrapulmonary organ involvement in sarcoidosis is one of the great challenges for clinicians. This assessment includes the evaluation of symptoms and of sarcoidosis activity in a specific organ and its functional consequences. In this review, radiological and nuclear techniques to image the inflammatory activity of sarcoidosis are described, in particular (18)F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The current use of this technique in clinical practice is explained, particularly in patients with persistent symptoms, stage IV disease and cardiac sarcoidosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / pharmacology
  • Gallium Radioisotopes / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Somatostatin / metabolism
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Receptors, Somatostatin
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18