Multifocal Epidural Neurosarcoidosis Causing Spinal Cord Compression: A Case Report

Neurosarcoidosis and Transverse Myelitis: Life-Threatening Manifestations of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis, a systemic granulomatous disorder, typically involves the lungs, skin, and lymph nodes. Neurological manifestations are diverse and may include longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), an uncommon inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord. We present a case of a 62-year-old female with LETM as the initial manifestation of sarcoidosis. The patient exhibited progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness, urinary retention, and sensory disturbances. Diagnostic workup revealed characteristic findings on spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and thoracic biopsy. Treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and subsequent immunomodulatory therapy resulted in significant improvement. Our case highlights the importance of including sarcoidosis in the differentials of LETM, particularly in patients with no respiratory manifestations.

Neurosarcoidosis Presenting as Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis and Orbital Mass: A Case Report

We describe a case of neurosarcoidosis in a 64-year-old female who presented with proptosis and orbital inflammation together with bilateral lower extremity neuropathy and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. These two entities are not commonly associated, and the etiology of the transverse myelitis was facilitated by an orbital biopsy. The transverse myelitis caused numbness in her lower extremities and tightness in her chest and abdomen, which progressed over weeks to difficulty walking and bilateral neuromuscular weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis in the cervical and thoracic spine. Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the chest revealed right hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy and calcified subcarinal nodes. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed hypermetabolism in the mediastinum and medial left orbit. Orbital biopsy revealed non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation suggestive of sarcoidosis. The neurologic deficits and orbital inflammation responded well to intravenous corticosteroids. Neurosarcoidosis can present with unusual clinical manifestations, as evidenced by this patient.

Rare case of multifocal extradural and intramedullary neurosarcoidosis without pulmonary involvement: a case report and literature review

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease characterized histologically by noncaseating granulomas. Localization of sarcoidosis to the CNS is termed neurosarcoidosis, a complex and rare neuroinflammatory form of sarcoidosis. When the spinal cord is involved, lesions are often intradural. Here, we present a rare case of progressive myelopathy secondary to multifocal spinal extradural neurosarcoidosis with spinal cord compression and without pulmonary involvement.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old African American female presented to the emergency department with numbness and paresthesia of 2-month duration in her left lower extremity and 2-week duration in her right lower extremity. The patient reported difficulty ambulating, paresthesia below the umbilicus, and back pain radiating to bilateral lower extremities. She endorsed 9-month history of cough, subjective fevers, night sweats, and unintentional 15 kg weight loss. Examination revealed 4/5 strength in the left lower extremity. MRI of the brain and spinal cord revealed enhancing extradural lesions, with spinal cord compression at T8 measuring 1.3 × 1.9 cm. Lumbar puncture demonstrated oligoclonal bands and increased CSF neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and protein. T8 laminectomy with resection of the epidural lesion was performed. Histology showed granulomas, consistent with neurosarcoidosis. At follow-up, repeat spinal MRI revealed disease progression with intramedullary involvement. Long-term immunosuppressive treatment was eventually initiated with satisfactory response.

Discussion

This is a rare case of myelopathy secondary to spinal extradural neurosarcoidosis. Spinal neurosarcoidosis is predominantly an intradural process. Our review of the literature identified only seven cases of extradural neurosarcoidosis presenting with compressive myelopathy. Additional insight into management and rehabilitation following pathological diagnosis is of clinical significance.

Recurrence of Epidural Spinal Sarcoidosis

Neurosarcoidosis involving the spine is uncommon. Sarcoidosis of the spine usually presents as an intramedullary lesion and rarely an epidural lesion. To have recurrence of neurosarcoidosis is an even rarer presentation. Here, we present a 37-year-old man with poorly controlled sarcoidosis who initially presented to our medical center in 2015 with thoracic myelopathy from epidural spinal sarcoidosis treated with thoracic decompression and fusion. He presented to the hospital 5 years later with a month history of progressive upper extremity weakness. MRI revealed recurrent stenosis and spinal cord compression in the cervicothoracic junction. Urgent surgical intervention along with medical management resulted in symptomatic and functional improvement. Surgical intervention and compliance with postoperative corticosteroid therapy seem to yield a favorable prognosis for patients with epidural spinal sarcoidosis and to avoid recurrence.

Cervical epidural neurosarcoidosis: A case report and literature review

Background:

Neurosarcoidosis is a rare disease. In the spine, it commonly presents as an intramedullary lesion. Epidural spinal lesions are extremely rare.

Case Description:

A 29-year-old patient presented with a 22-month history of progressive neck, upper limb pain, and myelopathy. The cervical MRI showed a large epidural mass infiltrating the paraspinal soft tissue. After an open biopsy, the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis was established and was followed-up by appropriate medical management.

Conclusion:

To manage cervical epidural neurosarcoidosis, first, you must obtain a tissue diagnosis and then follow with appropriate medical management.