Cardiac sarcoidosis as a cause of sudden death

Sarcoidosis, also called Besnier-Boeck disease, is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology which was classified as a separate unit in 1958. Histopathology of the disease is based on epithelioid granulomas which infiltrate and damage different organs and tissues. The disease is most commonly located in the lungs; however, first complaints may be related to its manifestation in other organs. Symptomatic involvement of the heart is found in approx. 5% of patients and is one of the most dangerous forms of the disease. (C) 2012 The Czech Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp.zo.o. All rights reserved.