Surgical management in spinal sarcoidosis: case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Spinal Surgery
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Vertebral sarcoidosis is an uncommon condition with limited case reports.
• Steroid therapy often alleviates neurological symptoms associated with vertebral sarcoidosis.
• Spinal instability due to vertebral destruction necessitates surgical intervention.

Observation:

• A case report detailing a patient with transient paraplegia and spine instability.
• The patient presented with sarcoidosis affecting two vertebral bodies.
• Initial treatment involved steroid therapy, leading to neurological improvement.

Findings:

• Complete neurological recovery was observed following steroid treatment.
• Surgical intervention, including posterior stabilization and anterior vertebrectomy with fusion, achieved satisfactory spinal stability.
• The combined approach addressed residual instability after initial medical management.

Implications:

• Nonoperative management with steroids is effective for neurological symptoms in vertebral sarcoidosis without instability.
• Progressive neurological decline or spinal instability requires prompt surgical consideration.
• This case highlights the successful integration of medical and surgical strategies for managing complex vertebral sarcoidosis.