[Neurosarcoidosis]

Neurosarcoidosis is a relatively rare complication of sarcoidosis that occurs in approximately 5-15 % of patients. The clinical picture is variable. Clinically, neurosarcoidosis is mostly manifested as lesions of the cranial nerves (50-70 %) and several cranial nerves are typically affected. This is the result of aseptic granulomatous basal meningitis. Intraparenchymal granulomas also occur, frequently affecting basal near-midline structures, such as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands and can lead to encephalopathy.

Diagnostics are essentially performed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as it can demonstrate the thickened meninges, which have a high affinity for contrast media but the results are not specific. Particularly in the absence of systemic sarcoidosis, diagnosis can be difficult. Laboratory tests are not very sensitive and specific, which makes neurosarcoidosis a diagnostic challenge.

Due to the substantial morbidity of the disease, early and consistent treatment should be initiated. This is usually carried out with corticosteroids supported by immunosuppressant drugs, such as azathioprine and methotrexate.