Mian Muhammad Umar, Abdullah Hassan, Nadeem Saad, Ahmad Moeed, Siddiqui Rashid
Internal Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, PAK.
Internal Medicine, Ittefaq Hospital, Lahore, PAK.
Cureus. 2024 Sep 10;16(9):e69077. doi: 10.7759/cureus.69077. eCollection 2024 Sep.
Neurosarcoidosis is a rare and complex form of sarcoidosis that affects the nervous system, presenting significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its varied neurological symptoms and potential complications. We present a case of a 67-year-old immunocompetent male who presented with altered sensorium, prompting a thorough evaluation. His medical history revealed intermittent low-grade fevers, progressive weight loss, and frailty, rendering him bedridden for over a year. Previous blood tests had ruled out specific etiologies, with normal serum calcium and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels. Upon presentation, further diagnostic workup included imaging and laboratory tests. Results showed elevated serum calcium, increased ACE levels, and depressed intact parathyroid hormone levels. MRI of the brain with contrast revealed lobulated mucosal thickening in the right sphenoid sinus and adjacent anterior cavernous sinus. A CT scan of the chest was unremarkable. Additionally, a splenic biopsy revealed hypoechoic foci with neutrophilic, lymphocytic, and histiocytic granulomas. Based on imaging and histopathological findings, the patient was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis. The patient was treated with prednisolone and methotrexate, leading to a prompt improvement in consciousness and symptoms. Follow-up demonstrated continued improvement and stabilization of his condition. This case highlights the importance of considering neurosarcoidosis in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms and underscores the value of a multidisciplinary approach in managing this challenging condition.
神经结节病是结节病的一种罕见且复杂的形式,会影响神经系统,因其多样的神经症状和潜在并发症而带来重大的诊断和治疗挑战。我们报告一例67岁免疫功能正常的男性病例,该患者出现意识改变,促使进行全面评估。他的病史显示有间歇性低热、进行性体重减轻和身体虚弱,导致他卧床一年多。之前的血液检查排除了特定病因,血清钙和血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)水平正常。就诊时,进一步的诊断检查包括影像学和实验室检查。结果显示血清钙升高、ACE水平升高以及完整甲状旁腺激素水平降低。增强脑部MRI显示右侧蝶窦和相邻前海绵窦有分叶状黏膜增厚。胸部CT扫描无异常。此外,脾脏活检显示有低回声灶,伴有嗜中性粒细胞、淋巴细胞和组织细胞肉芽肿。根据影像学和组织病理学检查结果,该患者被诊断为神经结节病。患者接受了泼尼松龙和甲氨蝶呤治疗,意识和症状迅速改善。随访显示其病情持续改善并稳定。该病例强调了在有不明原因神经症状的患者中考虑神经结节病的重要性,并突出了多学科方法在管理这种具有挑战性疾病中的价值。