Role of radiology in the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis

Clinical studies report a rate of 5 % and autopsy results a rate of 25 % of brain involvement in sarcoidosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of radiology in the diagnosis of patients with neurosarcoidosis. The chest radiographs and MRI brain scans of 22 patients with sarcoidosis were retrospectively reviewed, along with the information that was provided in the request form and clinical charts. All patients had neurological signs and symptoms; 21 patients were examined with contrast enhancement. Facial nerve paralysis was the most common clinical manifestation identified in 10 patients. A wide spectrum of MR findings was noted: periventricular high-signal lesions on T2-weighted images (46 %); multiple supratentorial and infratentorial brain lesions (36 %); solitary intra-axial mass (9 %); solitary extra-axial mass (5 %); and leptomeningeal enhancement (36 %). Neurological signs and symptoms can be significant manifestations of sarcoidosis. Magnetic resonance imaging shows a wide spectrum of brain abnormalities associated with neurosarcoidosis. The patient's history and chest X-ray are helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis, but in selected cases with isolated brain involvement biopsy may still be required. Received: 21 June 1999; Revised: 27 August 1999; Accepted: 15 October 1999