Neurosarcoidosis – an ever-present clinical challenge

Abstract

Sarcoidosis afflicts the central nervous system more frequently than previously believed. Neurological symptoms are present in roughly one-half of patients, and depend on the location in the central nervous system. The probability of spontaneous regression is significantly less when compared to other forms of sarcoidosis, which means that the proper diagnosis and treatment is paramount. Even when properly treated, functional defects are not uncommon. Majority of these patients require immunomodulating drugs and continuous follow-up. New immunomodulating drugs, especially biological agents, have shown to be significantly more effective, with fewer side effects, and are important when corticosteroids could not be applied. Less invasive methods, such as cerebrospinal analysis, help greatly in the diagnostics procedure, and require further research and improvement.

Keywords: sarcoidosis; neurosarcoidosis; cerebrospinal liquid; diagnostics; treatment