Laboratory values for sarcoidosis

A blood test and evaluation of the laboratory values is standard procedure in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. In the acute form of the disease, various inflammatory parameters, such as the leukocytes, i.e. the white blood cells, can be examined. In chronic sarcoidosis, certain antibodies and the calcium level are also checked.

If the latter is elevated, this can have a negative effect on kidney function and thus on the prognosis. In chronic sarcoidosis, certain receptors are also assessed to control the course of the disease. The next article on this topic could also be of interest to you: Blood test

X-ray of the lung

Probably the best known means of diagnosing sarcoidosis is an X-ray of the lungs. This has become particularly prominent, as the chronic form of sarcoidosis is often diagnosed as a chance finding. In this imaging, the lymph nodes located in the area of the lung root are assessed above all.

If these are enlarged, this can be a typical indication of the presence of the disease. In later stages they are often less swollen. Instead, the lung tissue is affected, which can transform fibrotically, i.e. scarred, and as such is visible in the X-ray image. Are you more interested in this topic?

Biopsy for Sarcoidosis

In rare cases a scintigraphy can be used for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. In this procedure, radioactively labeled gallium particles are introduced into the body via the bloodstream. These then accumulate in tissue areas where an active inflammatory process takes place.

These tissue areas are also called granulomas. The whole thing can then be measured with the help of the scintigraphy. However, since this method involves risks and is very expensive, it is rarely used nowadays. In order to check the infestation of different organs, an MRI image of the lung can be taken instead. You can read more detailed information about this examination procedure here: Scintigraphy