Polyradiculopathy in sarcoidosis

We present three new and 14 retrospective cases of polyradiculopathy in sar coidosis. Of these, 71% had weakness and 59% areflexia of the lower extremi ties, and 35% had sphincter dysfunction. Cases often were associated with c entral nervous system sarcoidosis. Ail cases involved thoracolumbar or lumb osacral roots, except a single case of cervical polyradiculopathy. Of 14 tr eated patients, nine improved with corticosteroids, laminectomy, or both. P olyradiculopathy complicating sarcoidosis: (1) is uncommon; (2) primarily i nvolves thoracic and lumbar roots; (3) may arise from contiguous, hematogen ous, or gravitational nerve root sleeve seeding; (4) may be asymptomatic; a nd (5) may improve with corticosteroids. Differential diagnosis of weakness in patients with sarcoidosis should include nerve root involvement from th e primary process by direct sarcoid involvement. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons , Inc.