Sarcoidosis 2001

In every decade, sarcoidosis makes a chameleon-like change so its profile n eeds to be updated. It was first recognised as a dermatological curiosity w hich evolved into a multisystem disorder with bone cysts, uveitis, and intr athoracic involvement. New dimensions were uncovered by biochemistry and im munology, bringing it still nearer the elusive enigma, namely the cause of sarcoidosis. Aetiology includes an understanding of a genetic predispositio n and environmental trigger factors. What was left undone in the 20th centu ry will become evident in the 21st century with more sophisticated technolo gy. Likewise, conventional treatments of the past will be superseded by cyt okines and other magic bullets of the millennium.