Neurosarcoidosis presenting as an anterior horn syndrome

J Neuroimmunol. 2010 Aug 25;225(1-2):132-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.03.012. Epub 2010 May 18.

Abstract

We report a 43 year old man who developed progressive weakness of all extremities with fasciculation over four months. Neurological examination was consistent with an anterior horn syndrome. CSF examination showed elevated opening pressure and a lymphocytic pleocytosis. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was confirmed by muscle and lacrimal gland biopsies. He was treated with the combination of corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin with almost complete resolution of his symptoms a few weeks after discharge. We hypothesize that meningeal granulomatous inflammation compressed the exiting anterior roots which resulted in motor dysfunction with preservation of peripheral sensory fibers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electromyography / methods
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Muscular Atrophy, Spinal / pathology
  • Muscular Atrophy, Spinal / physiopathology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / complications
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Sarcoidosis / complications
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / etiology
  • Spasm / etiology
  • Spasm / pathology