Neurosarcoidosis manifesting as tremor of the extremities and severe hypopituitarism - Case report

Abstract

A 48-year-old woman initially presented with significant tremor of the extremities and subsequent severe hypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense areas in bilateral caudate heads and putamina, and a pituitary mass. L-dopa and corticosteroid were given and the tremor was reduced. Serum markers including autoimmune diseases were negative. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography detected no abnormalities except for pituitary lesion. Transsphenoidal biopsy revealed a noncaseating granuloma including giant cells with destroyed pituitary gland. The diagnosis was sarcoidosis. Diagnosis of isolated neurosarcoidosis is definitely difficult. Biopsy may be essential to establish the diagnosis in such a case. Corticosteroid administration is strongly recommended to avoid irreversible damage to the normal tissues even if histological confirmation was not achieved.