Palpitations as a presenting feature of multisystem sarcoidosis

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is described as a systemic condition characterized by non-caseating granulomas in multiple organs. In this report, we present an unusual manifestation of cardiac sarcoidosis and review management strategies.Case presentation: A 29-year-old African-American man presented with weight loss, fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations, night sweats, painless left eye redness and bilateral leg pain over the course of three months. His physical exam revealed left conjunctival congestion and bilateral crackles on auscultation. Computerized tomography of the chest showed severe parenchymal disease with bilateral fibrotic bands. Bronchoscopy and transbronchial biopsy revealed noncaseating granulomas and multinucleated giant cells, confirming sarcoidosis. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia developed. Cardiac MRI showed myocardial delayed gadolinium enhancement. He responded to methotrexate and steroid therapy. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was placed.Discussion: Although cardiac sarcoidosis manifests in only 5% of sarcoidosis, autopsy reports indicate subclinical cardiac involvement in up to 30%. There are no established criteria for diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis.Conclusion: Early recognition and diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis is challenging but vital due to unpredictability and high risk for malignant cardiac involvement. Newer diagnostic imaging modalities have further aided in earlier identification and prevention of sudden cardiac death.

A Case of Previously Unsuspected Cardiac Sarcoidosis Diagnosed at Autopsy and 23-Year Review of One Institution’s Sarcoidosis Deaths

“…Cardiac involvement by sarcoidosis has been reported in 2% to 5% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis and is often clinically undetected (4). In fact, some studies report asymptomatic cardiac involvement in patients with sarcoidosis at rates of up to 20% (3).…”