Spinal cord sarcoidosis: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem syndrome characterized by the development of noncaseating granulomata. These lesions disrupt the architecture and function of the tissue in which they reside. Sarcoidosis in and around the spinal cord is relatively rare. This article discusses a patient with sarcoidosis who presented with progressive spinal cord compression. Neurosarcoidosis can occur with manifestations involving the cranial nerves, parenchymal brain tissue, neurohormonal axis of the base of the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. When the spinal cord is involved, it is most important to determine the location and confirm the diagnosis. Intramedullary lesions respond to medical therapy alone, if at all. Extramedullary lesions may be amenable to surgical resection with postoperative steroid therapy. If treated in time, patients with the latter form generally achieve a nearly full recovery.