Neurosarcoidosis of the spinal cord is a rare but disabling condition that can be a challenge to diagnose.
Features:
(1) It may be the presenting condition or associated with established sarcoidosis.
(2) It may have onset in the elderly.
(3) The CSF may have normal or abnormal leukocyte and ACE concentrations.
(4) A patient may have cranial neuropathy, nerve root lesions or meningitis.
Clinical findings:
(1) motor deficit
(2) sphincter dysfunction with urine and/or fecal incontinence
(3) difficulty walking
(4) limb numbness
(5) hyperreflexia
Imaging studies (MRI, PET) are important for identifying sites of inflammation in the spinal cord.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) cervical spondylotic myelopathy
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Specialty: Neurology, Immunology/Rheumatology
