Which demographic is most commonly affected by sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas—small clusters of immune cells—in various organs, most commonly the lungs, and it has a notable demographic distribution. Among different populations, African Americans are statistically found to be the most affected group. Studies indicate that African Americans are diagnosed with sarcoidosis at a higher prevalence and often have more severe manifestations of the disease compared to other racial or ethnic groups.

Research has shown that sarcoidosis affects about 10 to 20 per 100,000 individuals, with African Americans exhibiting higher rates, potentially influenced by genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. Additionally, the disease tends to have an earlier onset and a more aggressive course in this demographic.

Understanding these patterns helps in awareness and early diagnosis among at-risk populations, emphasizing the importance of considering demographic factors when evaluating patients for potential systemic diseases like sarcoidosis.