Meet Our Multidisciplinary Team
We aim to be a leading center in sarcoidosis care, providing compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based treatment. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, we improve patient outcomes and advance the field through education, training, and research.
What Is Sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease that occurs when the immune system becomes overactive. Instead of protecting the body, immune cells cluster together and form small masses called granulomas. These granulomas most often affect the lungs, lymph nodes, and skin, but sarcoidosis can involve almost any organ. Over time, ongoing inflammation may disrupt normal organ function and lead to fibrosis, or permanent scarring, if not managed.
What Causes Sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is considered a rare disease, affecting an estimated 150,000–200,000 people in the United States and 1.2 million people worldwide
Because it is uncommon and presents differently in each patient, sarcoidosis can be difficult to diagnose and manage. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is still unknown. Research suggests the disease may result from a combination of:
- Genetic factors, which may increase susceptibility
- Environmental triggers, such as bacteria, viruses, or chemical exposures
In individuals who are genetically predisposed, these triggers may cause the immune system to overreact, leading to chronic inflammation
How Does Sarcoidosis Progress?
Sarcoidosis affects each person differently. About 50% of patients experience remission, with inflammation resolving on its own. Others develop chronic disease, requiring long-term treatment. Up to one-third of patients have persistent, active disease beyond 2–5 years, which can become debilitating or life-threatening.
Because sarcoidosis is unpredictable, regular medical monitoring is essential to manage symptoms, protect organ function, and prevent complications. Sarcoidosis affects many organs including:
- Lungs (approximately 90% of cases)
- Lymph nodes
- Skin
- Eyes
- Heart
- Nervous system
- Liver and kidneys
This wide range of involvement is why specialized, multidisciplinary care is critical.
Meet Dr. Sriwastava
Shitiz Sriwastava, M.D., Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), specializes in treating many autoimmune disorders including sarcoidosis. Learn how he can help you with your diagnosis.
