MRI of Sarcoidosis Patients with Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Abstract

In sarcoidosis patients with musculoskeletal complaints, MRI reveals marrow and soft-tissue lesions that are occult or underestimated on radiographs. Axial and large-bone lesions may resemble osseous metastases on MRI. Most lesions detected are nonspecific in appearance, except nodular muscle lesions. MRI reveals features suggesting the diagnosis, but with standard protocols, no pathognomonic MRI features were determined.

Acute sarcoid myositis with unusual radiologic findings

“…MRI findings of musculoskeletal sarcoidosis lesions may reveal systemic involvement and a greater burden of granulomas than previously thought, which may have therapeutic and prognostic significance. When musculoskeletal manifestations are detected, MRI can also guide biopsy in patients with suspected but unproven sarcoidosis and can be used to follow response to treatment (15). The sensitivity of CT is less than that of MRI in evaluating sarcoid nodular myopathy.…”

A Nodular Type of Subcutaneous Sarcoidosis: A Case Report

“…The sarcoid nodules typically show star-shaped central areas of fibrosis that are seen with low signal intensity in all sequences and peripheral areas of granulomas that exhibit high signal intensity as seen on a T2-weighted image and intense enhancement as seen on contrast images. The central portion of the nodule is found in the chronic stage of muscular sarcoidosis (1,5). To the best of our knowledge, a subcutaneous sarcoidosis has not been seen with a star-shaped central structure with decreased signal intensity as with muscular sarcoidosis.…”

Phalangeal lytic lesion: do not forget osseous sarcoidosis

“…Bone lesions are recognised radiologically. MRI will show much more extensive and earlier osseous abnormalities 8. There is a predilection abnormalities of the metacarpals, metatarsals and phalanges of the hands and feet.…”