Re: Sarcoidosis

Posted By Ken on December 03, 1998 at 19:38:12:

In Reply to: Re: Sarcoidosis posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on December 03, 1998 at 17:37:25:






Diognosed with Premature Ventricular Contractions 2 years ago and on Dilacor 120mg @ since.  Ultr-Sound showed no sign of heart disease at that time.  Two months ago following lung biopsy, diognosed with Sarcoidosis and now also on Prednisone 40 Mg @.  I have read that PVC's can be caused by Sarcoidosis in the heart.  Is this true?  How could this be confirmed short of another biopsy?  Should I ask my PCP for referral to Card Specialist?  Another Ultr-Sound in order?  FYI- Also my Angiotension Converting Enzymes are very high, typical of Sarc.   Thank you.
Dear Ken
Sarcoid can definitely involve the heart. The only way to know this is with a heart biopsy, although actually a negative biopsy does not exclude the possibility of sarcoid (only 50% accuracy). Sarcoid can infiltrate the heart and cause heart block (requiring a pacemaker), arrhythmias, and/or heart failure. The most feared complication of cardiac sarcoid is sudden cardiac death. Many experts feel that steroids are the best treatment for cardiac sarcoid.
I think another echo would be a good idea. I think an EKG is also in order. If you are still having palpitations, a Holter monitor (portable EKG) is also a good idea. Most of the time if the sarcoid is well controlled in the lungs, it is also well controlled in the heart. If you have any symptoms of dizziness or fainting, take them seriously.
If you are still having palpitations, did the steroids make them better?
I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies.  Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.