Polyradiculopathy in sarcoidosis.
We present three new and 14 retrospective cases of polyradiculopathy in sarcoidosis. Of these, 71% had weakness and 59% areflexia of the lower extremities, and 35% had sphincter dysfunction. Cases often were associated with central nervous system sarcoidosis. All cases involved thoracolumbar or lumbosacral roots, except a single case of cervical polyradiculopathy. Of 14 treated patients, nine improved with corticosteroids, laminectomy, or both. Polyradiculopathy complicating sarcoidosis: (1) is uncommon; (2) primarily involves thoracic and lumbar roots; (3) may arise from contiguous, hematogenous, or gravitational nerve root sleeve seeding; (4) may be asymptomatic; and (5) may improve with corticosteroids. Differential diagnosis of weakness in patients with sarcoidosis should include nerve root involvement from the primary process by direct sarcoid involvement.
Koffman
B
B
Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Detroit, Michigan 48202-2689, USA.
Junck
L
L
Elias
S B
SB
Feit
H W
HW
Levine
S R
SR
D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011129:Polyradiculoneuropathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000150:complications*