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Spontaneous clinical and radiological resolution of vertebral sarcoidosis: a case report
Alisa K Johnson1, Jason M Johnson, Elizabeth Ames
1Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, letcher Allen Health Care/University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA. ajohnson9@uwhealth
Study Design:
Case report of occult presentation of asymptomatic vertebral sarcoidosis.
Objective:
To illustrate a case of vertebral sarcoidosis with occult presentation and subsequent spontaneous resolution.
Summary Of Background Data:
Vertebral sarcoidosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by noncaseating granulomatous infiltration of the spine. It most commonly affects the thoracic spine. The disc spaces are usually preserved; clinical presentation and imaging characteristics are variable.
Methods:
Case presentation and report.
Results:
A 41-year-old man with classic pulmonary sarcoidosis presented after a work-related back injury. Magnetic resonance injury of his spine demonstrated multiple enhancing lesions throughout the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Classic granulomas were identified on subsequently obtained core biopsy specimens, and the diagnosis of vertebral sarcoidosis was made.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this is the first case of concomitant pulmonary and asymptomatic vertebral sarcoidosis with spontaneous resolution of the vertebral manifestations without definitive treatment. A broad differential diagnosis should be entertained for new enhancing spine lesions including noninfectious inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis.
