Ivan Koloff and sarcodosis

     In his autobiography "Is That Wrestling Fake?"  The Bear Facts, Oreal Perras (Ivan Koloff) reveals that he was diagnosed and treated for sarcoidosis.

     Sarcoidosis is a disorder of unknown cause.  It affects individuals worldwide and is more common is blacks than whites.  The condition is characterized by the presence of lesions called granulomas in involved organs.  While virtually any organ can be affected, the most commonly involved site is the  lungs.  Other frequently involved organs include skin, joints, and eyes. 

     When sarcoidosis affects the lungs, symptoms include shortness of breath, cough and chest pain.  Fatigue, sweats, and fever are often present.  In mild cases the individual may not have any symptoms.  In severe cases the condition can lead to respiratory failure and death.

     A diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis requires finding the hallmark lesion on biopsy and excluding other disorders that could produce similar symptoms.  Not all cases require treatment.  Many times the condition will go into remission spontaneously.  For patients needing treatment the most common therapy is with the steroid prednisone.

Ivan Koloff

References

1. Koloff, I with Scott Teal. (2006) "Is That Wrestling Fake?"  The Bear Facts.  Hendersonville, Tennessee:  Crowbar Press.

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