Mrs. Mortimer...........not Mortimer Snerd
In 1898 Sir Jonathan Hutchinson used the term 'Mortimers Malady' for the skin disease he described as 'lupus vulgarism multiplex non-ulcerans et non-serpiginous' that had afflicted Mrs. Mortimer, a 65 year old Londoner. Today this is referred to as Lupus Pernio and is one of the many manifestations of Sarcoidosis.
Nearly 120 years later Sarcoidosis remains one of the least understood and most misdiagnosed diseases. It can affect every organ in the body. Most Sarcoidosis sufferers have multiple organ involvement. Despite medical technology advances no definitive marker(s) has been discovered specific to Sarcoidosis to aid diagnosis. Diagnosis remains a process of elimination via seemingly endless testing, including invasive testing (e.g. biopsy). Even then diagnosis cannot be accomplished with complete confidence. The end result is a statistical likelihood of the disease. There is no known cure.
The University of Minnesota’s research is targeted on the critical need to develop biomarkers that would classify Sarcoidosis based on the biological process that are associated with long-term therapy or advanced disease. This will result in providing precision medicine in Sarcoidosis thus limiting treatment-related side effects resulting in improved quality of life and outcomes.
The University of Minnesota is doing important research to identify Sarcoidosis markers to aid the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and perhaps even a cure. Your support of this research is needed for patients and their families in the fight against this disease.