Solitary cavernous sinus neurosarcoidosis mimicking neurosyphilis.

Abstract

A differential diagnosis between neurosarcoidosis and neurosyphilis is particularly problematic in patients with a positive serologic result for syphilis. We report here a patient with a solitary cavernous sinus sarcoidosis who had a history of syphilis and showed rapidly progressing cavernous sinus syndrome. A transsphenoidal biopsy was performed and a histopathologic examination revealed a non-caseating granuloma with an asteroid body. His facial pain disappeared after steroid therapy. He received oral prednisolone for one year. A follow-up magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed resolution of the mass over the cavernous sinus. Particularly in patients with a history of syphilis, neurosyphilis should be included in a differential diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis.

• Authors: Dong Ha Kim, Won Ho Cho, Kyu Sup Cho, Seong Heon Cha
• Journal: Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society (J Korean Neurosurg Soc) Vol. 55 Issue 1 Pg. 61-3 (Jan 2014) ISSN: 2005-3711 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 24570823 (Publication Type: Case Reports)