Neurological signs in patients with sarcoidosis - is it neurosarcoidosis?

Abstract

Introduction: The majority of patients with sarcoidosis are under pulmonologists care. The proper diagnostic work-up involves not only the respiratory system. Assessment of extrapulmonary organ involvement is an important element not only at the time of the diagnosis, but also during the further follow-up. Neurosarcoidosis is potentially dangerous and affects the prognosis of the disease. Aim: To assess the prevalence of neurological symptoms in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and analysis of causes. Method: Retrospective analysis of database of patients hospitalized in the 1st Department of Lung Diseases between January 2011 and December 2016, with the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis in whom magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of nervous system was performed because of neurological symptoms. The diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis was made according to Zaijcek9s criteria. Results: 589 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, stage I-IV, were identified. 32 (5.4%) of them with neurological symptoms (24 men and 8 women; mean age 43.8±11.2) underwent imaging studies of the nervous system depending on the symptoms: 25 MRI of the brain and 9 MRI of the spinal cord. Finally, 4/32 (12.5%) of patients were diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis Conclusions: Neurological symptoms in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis are rare and in most cases are assessed as unrelated to neurosarcoidosis.