Sarcoidosis

The Sarcoidosis Clinic at Boston Medical Center (Boston University School of Medicine) provides diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with sarcoidosis and is the clinical repository for ongoing basic science, translational, and clinical studies on sarcoidosis. Our Mission is to improve the lives of persons with sarcoidosis by providing state-of-the-art patient care coupled with innovative research aimed at understanding the pathogenesis and natural history of sarcoidosis.

The staff of the Sarcoidosis Center at Boston Medical Center is comprised of a multi-disciplinary group of physicians with expertise in sarcoidosis and a dedicated clinic staff experienced in sarcoidosis. The center is directed by Dr. Jeffrey S. Berman, Professor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and an acknowledged expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and investigation of sarcoidosis. Dr. Praveen Govender is the Associate Director of the Sarcoidosis Center with training in Pulmonary Medicine and Allergy and Immunology, and he has worked extensively with Dr. Berman in the care of patients with sarcoidosis since 2008. Drs. Berman and Govender are active members of the World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders (WASOG).

Patients with sarcoidosis are referred to the Sarcoidosis Center from both within Boston Medical Center as well as from throughout New England and the United States and from numerous foreign countries. Some patients come only for an initial evaluation or second opinion, while others may be followed for years. Approximately 150-200 new referrals per year are seen at the Sarcoidosis Center.

The Sarcoidosis Center provides patient care based on state-of-the-art clinical practice and translational/clinical research. The Sarcoidosis Center is part of the Boston University Pulmonary Center, which has extensive Research and Clinical programs in Molecular and Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, and Epidemiology. All clinical care is provided at Boston Medical Center, where a full range of Medical, Surgical and Radiologic subspecialists are available. Research is supported by grants from the NIH and private donations from patients, families, or organizations committed to advancement of sarcoidosis care. Donations can be routed through BUSM Development by selecting “Pulmonary Research Fund” from the drop-down menu and communicating “sarcoidosis” in the “Other Specifics” box.  This support allows The Sarcoidosis Center to provide a broad range of services to patients and their families.

Clinical Activities:

  • Diagnosis and Initial Assessment of patients with Sarcoidosis
  • Secondary and Tertiary Referrals for management of complex cases of sarcoidosis throughout New England.
  • Ongoing treatment for multi-system Sarcoidosis, including lung, skin, cardiac and neurologic involvement
  • Use of immunosuppressive agents when indicated (e.g. methotrexate, anti-TNF agents)
  • Participation in clinical trials and on-going Investigator-initiated and Industry-sponsored research with the goal of advancing knowledge about the pathogenesis and treatment of Sarcoidosis

Our Cardiac Sarcoidosis Clinic offers a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis involving the heart.  We offer specialists in sarcoidosis, immunology, heart failure, cardiac imaging, and arrhythmias, working together to optimize patient-centered care for Cardiac Sarcoidosis.  Our areas of expertise include FDG PET imaging of the heart, cardiac MRI, and invasive electrophysiology.  Our cardiac sarcoidosis team includes:

Robert H. Helm, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Electrophysiologist; Specializing in risk stratification of cardiac sarcoidosis for sudden death and invasive electrophysiology

Frederick Ruberg, MD,Associate Professor of Medicine and Radiology; Specializing in medical treatment of Cardiac Sarcoidosis, Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac MRI

For Patients:

To schedule a clinic visit, refer a patient, or speak with one of our physicians, please contact us at:

Boston University Sarcoidosis Center (Kenneth Lalsingh, Clinic Coordinator)

725 Albany Street Suite 9B
Boston, MA 02118
PHONE 617-414-3479
FAX 617-414-3477

 

Patient/Provider Instructions:

In order to provide the BMC Sarcoid Center with accurate information prior to an initial evaluation, instructions for patients/providers are accessible using this link BMC Sarcoid Referral Instructions

 

Drs Govender (Left) and Berman in the clinic.
Research