Sarcoidosis is a complex disease and a lot is still unknown. The diagnosis can be difficult. To diagnosis a patient with 100% certainty the presence of granulomas must be established in affected tissue. However, to acquire biopsy material might sometimes be associated with high mortality or morbidity. Furthermore, not all patient respond well to treatment. Especially in rare manifestations of sarcoidosis this is not well investigated. To improve our undertanding of the disease and to improve the diagnostic process and outcome we conduct scientific research.
Research projects
More research projectsRecent publications
Endosonography vs conventional bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis: the GRANULOMA randomized clinical trial
von Bartheld MB, Dekkers OM, Szlubowski A, Eberhardt R, Herth FJ, in 't Veen JC, de Jong YP, van der Heijden EH, Tournoy KG, Claussen M, van den Blink B, Shah PL, Zoumot Z, Clementsen P, Porsbjerg C, Mauad T, Bernardi FD, van Zwet EW, Rabe KF, Annema JT For the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, identifying granulomas in affected tissue is preferred. This is done by extracting lymph node tissue in the lungs via a biopsy. In this article the investigators evaluated what is the best way to perform the biopsy: with endosonography or with bronchoscopy (which is standard care). The article describes that endosonography is the best way to perform biopsy. Furthermore it describes what kind of complications might be expected.
Plasma chitotriosidase and CCL18 as surrogate markers for granulomatous macrophages in sarcoidosis
Boot RG, Hollak CE, Verhoek M, Alberts C, Jonkers RE, Aerts JM The diagnosis of sarcoidosis can be complex and therefore the diagnostic process must be improved. In this article we looked for markers in the blood that can have a role in the diagnosis but also in monitoring the disease activity. More specifically they investigated 'chitotriosidase' en 'CCL18'. These two markers show potential.
Research groups
