Neurosarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder of unclear cause characterized by nonnecrotizing (noncaseating) granulomatous inflammation. Neurosarcoidosis—involvement of the nervous system by the granulomatous inflammatory process of sarcoidosis—affects approximately 5 to 15% of people with sarcoidosis and is a major cause of morbidity from the disease. Neurosarcoidosis is often invoked in the differential diagnosis of suspected inflammatory neurologic syndromes. This chapter discusses the epidemiology, etiology, genetics, pathophysiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prognosis of neurosarcoidosis. Figures show magnetic resonance imaging features of neurosarcoidosis. Tables outline a clinical framework for categorizing neurosarcoidosis and neurologic organ system involvement by sarcoidosis. This chapter contains 1 highly rendered figure, 2 tables, 124 references, 1 teaching slide set, and 5 MCQs.