Sarcoidosis appears to be more common and more severe in certain geographic areas. It has long been recognized as a common disease in Scandinavian countries, where it is estimated to affect 64 out of 100,000 people. But it was not until the mid '40s, when a large number of cases were identified during mass chest x-ray screening for the Armed Forces, that its high prevalence was recognized in North America.
- Affects men and women of all races and ages
- Usually presents in adults younger than 40 years, most frequently between 20 and 29 years of age
- Slightly more predominant in women than in men
- Most prevalent in African-Americans and people of Northern European origin
Recent studies1 have indicated that sarcoidosis may be much more common than previously thought. A large study conducted in Cleveland, Ohio indicated that the prevalence of sarcoidosis in their area was 330/100000 which if representative of the U.S. would correspond to over 900,000 sarcoidosis cases in the U.S.
1. Erdal BS, Clymer BD, Yildiz VO, et al. Unexpectedly high prevalence of sarcoidosis in a representative U.S.Metropolitan population. Respir Med. 2012;106(6):893-899.