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Published on: November 13, 2016
Significance of multimodality evoked potential abnormalities in sarcoidosis
1Department of Neurology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033, USA.
Summary
Multimodality evoked potentials detect subclinical neurosarcoidosis in patients with normal neurological exams. These tests are valuable for diagnosing neurosarcoidosis, complementing imaging techniques.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement can occur in sarcoidosis, termed neurosarcoidosis.
- Clinical neurological examination may not reveal early CNS involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of multimodality evoked potentials in detecting subclinical CNS involvement in multisystem sarcoidosis.
- To assess the role of evoked potentials as an adjunct to neuroimaging in diagnosing neurosarcoidosis.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five patients with confirmed multisystem sarcoidosis underwent multimodality evoked potential testing.
- Tests included brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP), median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), and visual evoked potentials (VEP).
- Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed in select cases.
Main Results:
- Twelve out of 25 patients (48%) showed abnormal evoked potentials.
- Abnormalities were detected in BAEP (5 patients), SEP (4 patients), and VEP (6 patients).
- Brain MRI in two patients with abnormal evoked potentials did not reveal structural lesions.
Conclusions:
- Multimodality evoked potentials can identify subclinical CNS involvement in patients with multisystem sarcoidosis.
- Evoked potentials serve as a valuable tool in the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis, particularly when neuroradiology findings are inconclusive.
- This technique aids in the early detection of neurosarcoidosis, improving diagnostic capabilities.
