Vertebral sarcoidosis: demonstration of bone involvement by computerized axial tomography

Abstract

We have reported a rare case of vertebral sarcoidosis, clinically manifested by myalgia and bone pain, and therapeutically responsive to glucocorticoid therapy. Although technetium polyphosphate bone scanning revealed diffuse uptake in the spinal column, conventional x-ray films were normal. Computerized axial tomography (CAT) of the lumbar spine revealed characteristic sclerotic-rimmed bone cysts at multiple levels. We believe this to be the first reported case of osseous sarcoidosis demonstrated by CAT scan in the face of normal conventional bone roentgenograms.