Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a systemic immune-mediated inflammatory disease which significantly affects three major organs: the skin, pulmonary tract, and lymph nodes. Up to 10 % of patients with sarcoidosis develop neurosarcoidosis, and in a minority of patients, neurologic manifestations constitute the presenting clinical picture. The inflammatory non-caseating granulomas of sarcoidosis are the salient pathologic features and can affect the nervous system at several locations. Neurosarcoidosis generates a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations; therefore, its diagnosis requires a systemic approach. The conclusive diagnosis of sarcoidosis rests on pathologic examination of the biopsied tissue; however, imaging techniques, including MRI of central nervous system with contrast, play a significant role in the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis. There is no cure for sarcoidosis or neurosarcoidosis. Presently, the treatment is based on chronic immunosuppression utilizing TNF-α antagonists, corticosteroids, and a number of cytotoxic medications. Symptomatic treatments of the neurologic complications of neurosarcoidosis involve multiple treatment teams and use of various medications.
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Aachi, R., Fowler, M., Gonzalez-Toledo, E., McGee, J., Minagar, A. (2017). Neurosarcoidosis: Clinical Features, Pathogenesis, and Management. In: Minagar, A., Alexander, J. (eds) Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51220-4_5
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