Chronic Fatigue in Sarcoidosis

Neuropsychobiological Fingerprints of Chronic Fatigue in Sarcoidosis

Background: Chronic fatigue (CF) is a prominent symptom in many sarcoidosis patients, affecting quality of life (QoL) and interfering with treatment. This study investigates neuropsychobiological mechanisms and markers of CF in sarcoidosis.

Patients with a histological diagnosis of sarcoidosis are included. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) is used to define patients with and without CF. All patients are then characterized using several fatigue, depression, QoL and executive functioning questionnaires. Cognitive functioning and underlying neural correlates are assessed using an n-back task measuring working memory and (sustained) attention during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Sarcoidosis disease activity is determined using lung function, laboratory parameters, and exercise capacity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• histologically diagnosed sarcoidosis
• age ≥18 years
• provision of written informed consent
• sufficient German language skills to fully understand all questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients unable to understand study-related information
• insufficient language skills in German language
• MRI-related contraindications:
• any kind of implants or extraneous material inside the body
• past thoracic or ophthalmologic surgery
• medical history of epilepsy, tinnitus or seizure
• extensive tattoos
• current pregnancy
• claustrophobia