Specifics of diagnosis and management of patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (literature review and clinical cases)

Abstract

Cardiac sarcoidosis remains a diagnostic challenge and requires differential diagnosis to exclude other potential causes of pathological changes. Difficulties in diagnosis stem from the unknown aetiology of the disease, as well as the non-specific nature of its clinical manifestations. The aim of this review is to analyse data published over the last decade concerning the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. Materials and Methods . This article presents a narrative review of contemporary literature on the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. A search for publications was conducted across international and domestic electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and eLIBRARY.RU. The following keywords and their combinations were used in both English and Russian: cardiac sarcoidosis, heart transplantation for sarcoidosis, diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Results . The review predominantly includes publications from 2016–2026, alongside earlier fundamental studies and international clinical guidelines that are pivotal for understanding the issue. Selection criteria encompassed systematic reviews, meta-analyses, professional society clinical guidelines, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and large patient registries dedicated to the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. Conclusion : This review focuses on modern diagnostic modalities and the management strategy for patients with cardiac sarcoidosis, which represents one of the most severe and prognostically unfavourable manifestations of systemic sarcoidosis. Diagnosis is frequently delayed due to non-specific symptoms and the patchy distribution of granulomatous inflammation within the myocardium. Presented case reports clearly demonstrate the capabilities of contemporary diagnostics and treatment strategies for patients with cardiac sarcoidosis.