Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann Disease
Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann Disease Causes
No direct cause of sarcoidosis can been identified, though reports of cell wall deficient bacteria that may be possible pathogens have been reported. These bacteria are generally not identified in standard laboratory analysis. It has been suggested that there may be a hereditary factor because there are some families with multiple members affected with sarcoidosis. To date, no reliable genetic markers have been targeted, and an alternate hypothesis is that family members share a similar exposure to environmental pathogens. Transmission of sarcoidosis via organ transplants have also been reported. Sarcoidosis has been traced to celiac disease. Celiac disease is a condition wherein there is a chronic reaction to certain protein chains, commonly known as glutens, found in some cereal grains. This reaction causes the destruction of the villi in the small intestine, which results malabsorption of nutrients.
Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann Disease Definition
Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease, also known as sarcoidosis, is a disease which can affect different organs inside the body. It causes the development of microscopic granulomas on the organs. These are masses resembling little tumors or look like grains of sugar or sand. They are made up of groups of cells from the immune system. These tiny granulomas can increase in size and number and clump together, making many large and small groups of lumps. If numerous granulomas form in an organ, they can affect how the organ functions. This can cause symptoms of Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease.
Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann Disease Symptoms and Signs
Sarcoidosis can occur in almost everywhere in the body, although it generally affects some organs more than others. It usually starts in the lungs or lymph nodes, especially the ones found in the chest cavity. Sarcoidosis can also often affect the skin, eyes, and liver. Less often does sarcoidosis affect the spleen, nerves, heart, tear glands, salibary glands, and the bones and joints. It is rare for the disease to affect the thyroid gland, breasts, kidneys, and reproductive organs. It almost always occurs in more than one organ at a time.
Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann Disease Treatment
Corticosteroids, most commonly prednisone, have been the standard treatment for sarcoidosis for many years. In some patients, this treatment can slow down or reverse the course of the disease, but unfortunately, other patients do not respond to steroid therapy. The use of corticosteroids in mild disease is controversial because in several cases the disease recurs spontaneously. In addition, corticosteroids have many recognized side effects related to dose and duration, though they can be reduced through the use of alternate-day dosing for those on chronic prednisone therapy.