Neurosarcoidosis: signs, course and treatment in 35 confirmed cases.
Thirty-five cases of biopsy-proven sarcoidosis with neurologic manifestations are reported. Neurosarcoidosis was the presenting symptom in 31% of cases and the only clinical manifestation in 17%. Mean follow-up time was 48 months. Central nervous system involvement was observed in 37% and meningitis in 40% of patients. Other manifestations were cranial nerve palsies (37%), peripheral neuropathy (40%), and myopathy (26%). Multiple neurologic manifestations were present in 51% of cases. All but 4 were treated with corticosteroids. Another immunosuppressive agent or cerebral irradiation was added in 6 and 2 patients, respectively. Complete recovery was observed in 46%, improvement in 46%, 4% remained stable, and 4% worsened. There were no deaths. We advocate treating neurosarcoidosis with corticosteroids as early as possible. If the patient's condition worsens, additional immunosuppressive agents or cerebral irradiation is warranted.
Chapelon
C
C
Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital de la Pitié, Paris, France.
Ziza
J M
JM
Piette
J C
JC
Levy
Y
Y
Raguin
G
G
Wechsler
B
B
Bitker
M O
MO
Blétry
O
O
Laplane
D
D
Bousser
M G
MG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy