Cardiac sarcoidosis: an uncommon presentation of sarcoidosis in India

Cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis is uncommon. The manifestations of cardiac sarcoidosis are protean and vary from benign ectopics to life threatening ventricular tachycardias. High index of suspcion and early aggressive intervention is required for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Early diagnosis is essential since ventricular tachycardia is the most common terminal event in these patients if left untreated. Corticosteroids are needed early in these patients which along with other antiarrhythmic management strategies including intracardiac defibrillator form the backbone of treatment. We describe four patients who were diagnosed to have pulmonary and cardiac sarcoidosis. Their varied presentations highlight the difficulties that may occur in the diagnosis. Furthermore, the need for proper management is stressed, as a delay in diagnosis may be fatal.