Neurosarcoidosis Presenting as Aseptic Meningitis in an Immunosuppressed Renal Transplant Recipient

Transplantation. 2016 Oct;100(10):e96-e100. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000001074.

Abstract

Background: Sarcoidosis is a presumptive autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas and is usually treated successfully with immunosuppression.

Methods and results: Here, we describe the case of a 63-year-old male renal transplant recipient with a remote history of pulmonary sarcoidosis on chronic immunosuppression who developed recurrent aseptic meningitis and underwent brain biopsy revealing a diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis.

Conclusions: This case highlights the possibility of recurrence of sarcoidosis in the setting of maintenance immunosuppression, the need for heightened awareness of alternative sites of recurrence of autoimmune disease, and future studies to determine the underlying mechanism of recurrence in organ transplant recipients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Aseptic / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Sarcoidosis / etiology*

Substances

  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A

Supplementary concepts

  • Neurosarcoidosis