A 56-year-old female patient presented with lumbar pain.
The patient was followed up with mediastinal, axillar and cervical lymphadenopathies. PET-CT examination reported multiple enlarged lymph nodes, bone and liver lesion with high FDG uptake.
MRI of cervical and dorsolomber vertebra with contrast revealed numerous lesions of the corpus vertebrae and posterior elements at cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral levels with low T1w-, high T2w-signal and contrast-enhancement. Compression of the end-plates was also detected.
Thorax CT with contrast showed right paratracheal, right and left hilar nodes also known as Garland triad, bilateral axillary lymph nodes and parenchymal lung nodules, which are described as typical findings in sarcoidosis.
Patchy non-mass contrast-enhancement of liver and spleen were demonstrated in post-contrast dynamic CT of the abdomen as well as several retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph nodes, and multiple patchy lytic and sclerotic bone lesions.
The final diagnosis was established by CT guided percutaneous biopsy of the iliac bone showings noncaseating granulomas.
Background: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder of unknown cause that is characterised by the presence of non-caseating granulomas in tissues, with no evidence of other known causes of granulomatous disease.
Sarcoidosis involves multiple organs, most commonly the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, and eyes, but may be clinically evident in any organ system, including the musculoskeletal system. In sarcoidosis axial skeletal and large bone lesions may resemble osseous metastases on MRI.
Clinical Perspective: The patient was followed-up with mediastinal, axillar and cervical lymphadenopathies for 3 years and used anti-tuberculosis therapy for 9 months with no improvement. He was admitted to our hospital with worsening symptoms. FDG PET-CT examination was reported as multiple metastatic lymph nodes, bone and liver metastases with unknown primary cancer. Excisional biopsy of lymph nodes and bone biopsy revealed non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. The patient also had ocular manifestations. There were no signs of cardiac and cutaneous involvement. The lesions regressed following corticosteroid therapy.
Presentation of patients are quite non-specific and depends on the systems involved. Half of the patients may be asymptomatic, whereas others show respiratory, cardiac, cutaneous, ocular, lacrimal and salivary gland involvement. Neurosarcoidosis develops in about 5% of cases and manifest as diffuse or nodular thickening and enhancement of leptomeninges [1-2].
Imaging Perspective: Musculoskeletal sarcoidosis is detected in about 5% of patients. Involvement of axial skeleton and sparing of small bones, in this case, was an uncommon form of musculoskeletal manifestation of sarcoidosis. CT demonstrates lytic lesions with or without sclerotic margins. MRI appearance is also variable, with well-defined enhancing intramedullary lesions or an infiltrative process [3].
Symmetric hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathies and well-defined pulmonary micronodules measuring 2-5mm at subpleural regions is typical for thoracic sarcoidosis as in this case. Perilymphatic pulmonary nodules along the bronchovascular bundles, interlobular septa and interlobar fissures are other characteristic CT findings in pulmonary sarcoidosis. Irreversible pulmonary fibrosis is detected in 25% of cases [3]. This patient had bilateral axillary lymph nodes seen in approximately 10-30% of patients.
Liver, spleen, retroperitoneal and intra-abdominal lymph nodes were also affected in this patient. Autopsy series report 24-80% chance of hepatic sarcoidosis [4]. Periportal fibrosis and hepatic nodules may be detected, however, liver-related symptoms are rare.
Although imaging findings may suggest the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, histopathologic evaluation is necessary to differentiate from metastases, lymphoma and other bone marrow neoplasia.
Outcome: Sarcoidosis may have an excellent prognosis at an early stage, however it may be associated with high mortality and morbidity in advanced cases.
Take-Home Message, Teaching Points: Radiologists have an important role in diagnosis, staging and follow-up of treatment in sarcoidosis due to variable clinical presentations and multi-organ system involvement.
Sarcoidosis
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Based on the provided MRI images of the spine and CT scans of the chest and abdomen, the following key features are observed:
These findings suggest involvement of multiple organs (lymph nodes, bones, liver). Although the radiological presentation resembles metastatic tumors or lymphoma, correlating with clinical and pathological data indicates the possibility of granulomatous diseases (such as Chlamydia trachomatis infection, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, etc.).
Based on the imaging findings, together with the patient’s clinical history and pathological results, the following differential diagnoses can be considered:
Considering the patient's clinical features (long-standing lymphadenopathy, bone and liver abnormalities, ocular findings), lack of response to anti-tuberculosis therapy, confirmed non-caseating granulomas on pathology, and imaging consistent with sarcoidosis, the most likely diagnosis is "Sarcoidosis (granulomatous lesion)".
If doubts remain, further tests such as pulmonary function evaluation, cardiac MRI to assess cardiac involvement, and additional serologic or molecular studies can be conducted to exclude rare etiologies. However, based on the current data, imaging and pathology strongly support sarcoidosis.
Because the patient’s skeletal system is involved, it is essential to ensure safety in rehabilitation and exercise, avoiding excessive weight-bearing or high-impact activities. The following plan can be tailored using the FITT-VP principles (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Progression, Individualization):
Patients with significant bone involvement or active disease phases should pay special attention to avoid stress injuries to the spine or weight-bearing bones.
Disclaimer: This report is based on the provided medical history and imaging data for reference only, and cannot replace in-person consultation or professional medical advice. The final diagnosis and treatment plan must be decided upon after evaluating the patient’s actual clinical condition.
Sarcoidosis