Radiological presentation of neurosarcoidosis

Med Pregl. 2014 Jan-Feb;67(1-2):24-7.

Abstract

Introduction: In diagnostics of neurosarcoidosis, radiological diagnostic procedures are available, non-invasive and they contribute significantly to the diagnosis of this disease. The aim of this paper is to present a brief overview of the radiological diagnostic methods, their application, and their importance in daily clinical work with these patients. RADIOLOGICAL PRESENTATION OF NEUROSARCOIDOSIS: Magnetic resonance is the method of choice in diagnostics of this disease. Computed tomography can also be helpful in patients with contraindications for magnetic resonance, although it is less precise in assessing the involvement of the periventricular white matter, hypothalamus, and cranial nerves. The number of lesions and the degree of involvement of the parenchyma and leptomeninges are better seen by magnetic resonance than by computed tomography scan. It is important to note that the magnetic resonance imaging may be normal in patients with neurosarcoidosis, especially in patients with cranial neuropathy, or in patients treated with corticosteroids. There is a number of variability in the occurrence of neurosarcoidosis on radiological images.

Conclusion: Radiological procedures are on the very top of diagnostic pyramid of this disease due to their availability, non-invasiveness, and precision.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Diseases / complications
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / etiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Sarcoidosis / complications
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*

Supplementary concepts

  • Neurosarcoidosis