Corticosteroid treatment for acute hydrocephalus in neurosarcoidosis: a case report

Abstract

Background Neurosarcoidosis occurs symptomatically in 5–10% of patients with sarcoidosis, and hydrocephalus is a rare complication of neurosarcoidosis, with either acute or subacute onset and presenting symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure. It represents a potentially fatal manifestation with a mortality rate of 22% (increased to 75% in case of coexistence of seizures) that requires a prompt initiation of treatment. High-dose intravenous corticosteroid treatment and neurosurgical treatment must be considered in all cases of neurosarcoidosis hydrocephalus. Case presentation Here we present a case of hydrocephalus in neurosarcoidosis, complicated by generalized seizures, in a 29-year-old Caucasian male patient treated with medical treatment only, with optimal response. Conclusion Since neurosurgery treatment can lead to severe complications, this case report underlines the possibility to undergo only medical treatment in selected cases. Further studies are needed to stratify patients and better identify those eligible for only medical approach.