Introduction: Isolated spinal cord neurosarcoidosis is extremely rare. The potential implications of long-term immunosuppressant therapy make correct diagnosis imperative. However, there are challenges inherent in isolated spinal cord involvement that require a multidisciplinary approach. Here we present the largest series of definite and possible isolated spinal neurosarcoidosis and discuss our institutional experience in managing this rare but morbid condition.
Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify all neurosarcoidosis cases starting from 2002 to 2020 at our institution. Patients were screened for cases of isolated spinal neurosarcoidosis. A descriptive analysis was performed for each case.
Results: A total of 64 cases of neurosarcoidosis were identified. The spine was involved in 26 (40.6%) patients. Only 4 (6.3%) cases had isolated spinal cord involvement. A full medical and imaging workup was performed in determining isolated spinal cord involvement. Three patients subsequently underwent surgical biopsy, and 1 did not undergo biopsy because of patient preference. One of the patients who underwent biopsy had an initial nondiagnostic biopsy and had a repeat biopsy. Corticosteroids were employed in all cases with additional immunosuppressive agents for maintenance therapy and refractory cases. All showed radiographic improvement and were clinically stable to improved.
Conclusion: Isolated spinal cord involvement of neurosarcoidosis is rare and can present challenges in diagnosis. A biopsy can be performed when necessary. However, a biopsy of the spinal cord carries inherent risks and may not always be possible or result in a nondiagnostic sample. In the setting of high clinical suspicion, maximal medical therapy is still employed.
Keywords: Biopsy; Isolated; Neurosarcoidosis; Spinal cord.
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