This full-day course is designed to provide faculty and physicians-in-training with an overview and update on the diagnosis and management of intra and extrathoracic sarcoidosis amidst the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic has so powerfully illustrated, race plays a significant role as a determinant of health in the United States. Given the current political climate and an impetus for change, it is important to shed light on a disease with an inherent predilect for a vulnerable patient population. The novel pandemic coronavirus, COVID-19, has caused medical and economic crises around the globe. Studies querying how viral respiratory infections impact the care and clinical course of patients with sarcoidosis– e.g. preemptive adjustment of immunosuppressive medications – are ongoing. The predilection for extrathoracic involvement in sarcoidosis, and in particular cardiomyopathy, adds an extra dynamic with the risk for coronavirus fulminant myocarditis. Furthermore, patients with COVID-19 severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) are at risk for developing ILD. The course will involve lectures delivered by experts in the field, highlighting controversial topics in sarcoidosis and including clinical and treatment features having an impact on both the risk for infection and risk for poor outcome among patients with sarcoidosis as well as general updates on screening practices and treatment.

 EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

After participating in this activity, clinicians should be able to:

• Evaluate presenting signs and symptoms of multi-organ involvement in patients with sarcoidosis (as opposed to those from viral illness), emphasize the need for enhanced screening in these special populations, and provide practical guidance on the modification of pre-existing immunosuppressive therapies amongst an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
• Implement the best screening practices including advanced imaging techniques and multidisciplinary approaches for identifying dangerous organ involvement in patients with sarcoidosis 
• Propose diagnostic algorithms and standardized treatment protocols, including indications for treatment and withdrawal of therapy in pulmonary sarcoidosis as well as the application of third-line agents and referral for heart transplant in cardiac sarcoidosis
• Emphasize the need for expert consensus as well as long-term follow-up and potential modification of chronic therapies for sarcoidosis patients, especially COVID-19 survivors

TARGETED AUDIENCE

Pulmonologists, cardiologists, rheumatologists, radiologists, pathologists, advance practice providers, respiratory therapists, medical assistants, and other health care professionals involved in the management of patients with sarcoidosis

ACCREDITATION

The NYU Grossman School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

For more information please visit the official event page.