Polyradiculopathy in sarcoidosis

Muscle Nerve. 1999 May;22(5):608-13. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4598(199905)22:5<608::aid-mus9>3.0.co;2-l.

Abstract

We present three new and 14 retrospective cases of polyradiculopathy in sarcoidosis. Of these, 71% had weakness and 59% areflexia of the lower extremities, and 35% had sphincter dysfunction. Cases often were associated with central nervous system sarcoidosis. All cases involved thoracolumbar or lumbosacral roots, except a single case of cervical polyradiculopathy. Of 14 treated patients, nine improved with corticosteroids, laminectomy, or both. Polyradiculopathy complicating sarcoidosis: (1) is uncommon; (2) primarily involves thoracic and lumbar roots; (3) may arise from contiguous, hematogenous, or gravitational nerve root sleeve seeding; (4) may be asymptomatic; and (5) may improve with corticosteroids. Differential diagnosis of weakness in patients with sarcoidosis should include nerve root involvement from the primary process by direct sarcoid involvement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy / diagnosis
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy / etiology*
  • Prognosis
  • Sarcoidosis / complications*