Boston University researchers found that sarcoidosis accounts for 25% of deaths among women in the Black Women’s Health Study who have the disease

Sarcoidosis causes inflammation in the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, skin and other tissues and stems from unknown causes. Patients affected are typically between the ages of 20 and 40 years old and are more likely to be affected if a close blood relative has the disease. It is most often associated with debilitating lung illness like pulmonary fibrosis. Although it can affect any age and race, black women tend to have a higher incidence of sarcoidosis, as well as a more severe course and higher mortality rates.