Sarcoidosis presenting with stroke

Abstract

A 25-year-old black man with sarcoidosis presented with transient ischemic attacks followed by sudden, persistent right hemiparesis. He gave a history of recent, recurrent lower motor neuron facial palsy. Computed tomography demonstrated an infarct in the left internal capsule. Chest x-ray film showed bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy and multiple opacities in the lung fields. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme concentration was raised, and a Kveim test was positive for sarcoidosis. Despite clear pathologic reports of cerebral vasculitis in neurosarcoidosis, the occurrence of stroke is extremely rare.