Cauda equina and conus medullaris syndrome in sarcoidosis.
BACKGROUND
Neurosarcoidosis is a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis. Involvement of the nervous system in sarcoidosis can range from peripheral or cranial neuropathy to central nervous system disease. Cauda equina sarcoidosis is distinctly rare.


RESULTS
The authors present a 58-year-old patient with systemic sarcoidosis who developed cauda equina and conus medullaris syndrome. Seventeen previous published cases of cauda equina sarcoidosis are reviewed. The history of systemic sarcoidosis, cerebrospinal fluid characteristics of lymphocytic pleocytosis with elevated protein, and evidence of acute denervation by needle electromyography are helpful in the diagnosis of this condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina sarcoidosis usually provide a rapid recovery and yield a good prognosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Although rare, sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, particularly in patients with unclear etiology.
Kaiboriboon
Kitti
K
Department of Neurology and the Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Olsen
Thomas J
TJ
Hayat
Ghazala R
GR
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011128:Polyradiculopathy / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate