[Peripheral neuropathies disclosing sarcoidosis]

Abstract

A 54 year-old woman presented with an asymmetrical polyneuropathy, with in addition signs of hepatitis and hypercalcemia. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made by hepatic and neuromuscular biopsies. Electrophysiological studies showed an asymmetrical clear neurogenic involvement with an axonal pattern. Ultrastructural study of the nerve showed sarcoid granulomas in epineurium, perineurium and endoneurium, with images of Wallerian degeneration. No features of primary demyelination were found. Granulomas were also present in muscle and liver. Possible etiological mechanisms are discussed: compression of nerve or vessels, or immune angiitis.