[Sphenocavernous localization of meningeal neurosarcoidosis. Apropos of a case and review of the literature].

The authors report on the case of a 32 year old woman treated with prednisone and diphenylsulfon for a multi-visceral sarcoidosis; headache and progressive oculomotor paralysis revealed an expansive lesion of the left cavernous sinus extending to the temporal fossa. C.T. scan, M.R.I., and angiographic data as well as the intra-operative findings evoked the diagnosis of meningioma. Pathological findings showed an epithelioid and gigantocellular granuloma without caseous necrosis, corresponding to a sarcoidosic lesion. After the operation, the increase of steroid doses was followed by a complete regression of the tumoral remnants, and total clinical recovery. In a patient having a previously diagnosed sarcoidosis with evidence of an intracranial tumor mimicking a meningioma, steroids should be first prescribed. Efficacy of steroids on sarcoid granulomas is often dramatic; surgical approach would be discussed in case of ineffective steroid therapy, of persisting questionnable diagnosis, and of tumoral threatening compression.