Radiological manifestations of neurosarcoidosis: Report of three cases and review of literature

Abstract

The neuroradiological findings in three anergic patients with pituitary and endocrine disturbances, as well as typical pulmonary findings of sarcoidosis during the course of their disease, are presented. Biopsy confirmation of the intracranial lesion was obtained in one case. The pertinent literature is reviewed. Suprasellar calcification was found in one case. Polytome pneumoencephalography demonstrated suprasellar lesions in two cases. One case had angiographic findings which could represent a type of arteritis not previously described in association with neurosarcoidosis. The authors conclude that patients with sarcoidosis and neurological changes should undergo thorough neuroradiological evaluation to define the extent of disease. This should include, in addition to the usual plain skull radiographs, arteriography and pneumoencephalography with tomography. The neuroradiological findings in three anergic patients with pituitary and endocrine disturbances, as well as typical pulmonary findings of sarcoidosis during the course of their disease, are presented. Biopsy confirmation of the intracranial lesion was obtained in one case. The pertinent literature is reviewed. Suprasellar calcification was found in one case. Polytome pneumoencephalography demonstrated suprasellar lesions in two cases. One case had angiographic findings which could represent a type of arteritis not previously described in association with neurosarcoidosis. The authors conclude that patients with sarcoidosis and neurological changes should undergo thorough neuroradiological evaluation to define the extent of disease. This should include, in addition to the usual plain skull radiographs, arteriography and pneumoencephalography with tomography.