What does this research mean for the field?

A multidisciplinary team-based cardiac sarcoidosis service improves diagnostic accuracy and management outcomes compared to traditional referral methods. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.SUPPORTS_CONSENSUS.

February 17, 2026Open Access

Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis by a Regional Specialist Service

Key Result

An MDT-based cardiac sarcoidosis service correctly diagnosed 100% of HRS-positive patients and improved diagnosis and treatment without major short-term adverse outcomes.

Structured PICO

Does a multi-disciplinary team-based regional clinical service improve the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis compared to historical care?

Population

Patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis referred to a regional specialist service (n=51) compared to a historical control cohort.

Intervention

Multi-disciplinary team (MDT)-based regional cardiac sarcoidosis clinical service

Comparator

Historical control cohort (patients referred for cardiac sarcoidosis assessment before the service was conceived)

Outcome

Clinical performance of the service (diagnostic accuracy compared to Heart Rhythm Society criteria)

An MDT-based regional service for cardiac sarcoidosis improves diagnostic yield and facilitates comprehensive management without major short-term adverse outcomes.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

Background: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is associated with potentially serious complications, including heart failure and life-threatening arrhythmias. The diagnosis and management of CS is multifaceted, requiring a multi-disciplinary team (MDT)-based approach. A new regional CS clinical service was established in Sussex County (UK) in January 2025. This service is based on a core of cardiologists working with a wider MDT, including specialists in pulmonary sarcoidosis, nuclear medicine and cardiac electrophysiology. This study assessed the clinical performance of this new service. Methods: Patients with suspected CS referred to the Sussex CS Service between January and December 2025 were included, as compared to a control cohort of patients referred for CS assessment before the service was conceived. Results: Of the 51 CS service referrals, 13 patients fulfilled the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) criteria, all of whom were correctly diagnosed with CS, whilst only two out of seven HRS-positive control patients were correctly diagnosed. In the 38 HRS-negative CS service referrals, 8 patients (21%) were still given a clinical CS diagnosis compared to none in the HRS-negative controls. Of the 21 patients diagnosed with CS, 7 (33%) had active myocardial inflammation and 8 (38%) had LV systolic dysfunction. Where indicated, immunosuppressive and heart failure therapies were initiated in all patients. Eight CS patients (38%) underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. No deaths or heart failure hospitalisations occurred within the first 11 months. Conclusions: An MDT-based CS service model can provide multi-faceted care to patients, without major short-term adverse outcomes. The service model replicability and long-term outcomes require further assessment.