Single Center Experience with Isolated Spinal Cord Neurosarcoidosis

Isolated spinal cord neurosarcoidosis is extremely rare. The potential implications of long-term immunosuppressant therapy make correct diagnosis imperative. However, there are challenges inherent in isolated spinal cord involvement that require a multidisciplinary approach. Here we present the largest series of definite and possible isolated spinal neurosarcoidosis and discuss our institutional experience in managing this rare but morbid condition.

A retrospective review was performed to identify all neurosarcoidosis cases starting from 2002 to 2020 at our institution. Patients were screened for cases of isolated spinal neurosarcoidosis. A descriptive analysis was performed for each case.

A total of 64 cases of neurosarcoidosis were identified. The spine was involved in 26 (40.6%) patients. Only 4 (6.3%) cases had isolated spinal cord involvement. A full medical and imaging workup was performed in determining isolated spinal cord involvement. Three patients subsequently underwent surgical biopsy, and 1 did not undergo biopsy because of patient preference. One of the patients who underwent biopsy had an initial nondiagnostic biopsy and had a repeat biopsy. Corticosteroids were employed in all cases with additional immunosuppressive agents for maintenance therapy and refractory cases. All showed radiographic improvement and were clinically stable to improved.

Isolated spinal cord involvement of neurosarcoidosis is rare and can present challenges in diagnosis. A biopsy can be performed when necessary. However, a biopsy of the spinal cord carries inherent risks and may not always be possible or result in a nondiagnostic sample. In the setting of high clinical suspicion, maximal medical therapy is still employed.