Short communication, Note

Thoracic Intramedullary Sarcoidosis Mimicking an Intramedullary Tumor

Vili Beroš
Karlo Houra
Krešimir Rotim
Damir Kovač
Hrvoje Čupić

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a chronic, systemic granulomatous reticulosis of unknown origin, characterized by formation of hard
tubercles and noncaseating granulomas1. Since other infectious diseases such as berylliosis, mycobacterium and fungal
infections may present with a noncaseating granulomas, histological diagnosis of sarcoidosis is made using the elimination
method. Central nervous system manifestations of sarcoidosis may be present in 5–10% of the cases2–5 involving cranial
nerves, leptomeninges and third ventricle respectively. Any part of the central nervous system can be affected. Involvement
of spinal cord in sarcoidosis is extremely rare and presents with only 0.3–0.4% in patients with systemic sarcoidosis2.
Intramedullary sarcoidosis is a rare first manifestation of the disease and it can mimic an intramedullary tumor,
which is often manifested with symptoms that initiate from spinal cord compression, resulting in paraparesis, sensory
disorders and sphincter dysfunction6–11. We present a case of intramedullary sarcoidosis that mimics a tumor of the thoracic
spinal cord. Clinical features, neuroradiological, pathohistological findings, laboratory analysis and surgical
treatment of such a rare entity are being discussed.

Keywords

intramedullary tumor; sarcoidosis; thoracic spine

Hrčak ID:

27213

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/27213

Publication date:

7.7.2008.

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