Neurosarcoidosis: clinical presentations and course in 50 patients

Acta Neurol Scand. 1986 Mar;73(3):283-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1986.tb03277.x.

Abstract

Fifty consecutive patients with neurosarcoidosis were evaluated retrospectively. Sarcoidosis presented first with neurologic signs in 24 patients (48%), but systemic symptoms developed later in all but five. Main neurologic involvements were central nervous system lesions in 33 patients (66%), cranial nerve paresis in 12 (24%), and peripheral nerve lesions in five patients (10%). Seventeen patients (34%) had more than one type of neurologic involvement. Routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters showed unspecific abnormalities in 35 patients (70%). CSF angiotensin converting enzyme was elevated in 18 of 31 patients (58%). Brain computerized tomography was abnormal in 13 of 32 patients (41%). Visual and brainstem evoked potentials were abnormal in ten (43%) and eight (35%) of 23 patients, respectively, suggesting subclinical lesions in 13 patients. Neurologic signs improved in 24 patients (48%), were stable in 11 (22%), and progressed in 15 patients (30%). Six patients died. Cranial nerve lesions improved most often. Course of neurologic involvements was similar in acute or subacute and chronic sarcoidosis. The effect of steroid treatment was inconsistent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Diseases / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Prognosis
  • Sarcoidosis / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*
  • Sarcoidosis / physiopathology