Isolated neuro sarcoidosis presenting as a hypothalamic mass

Sarcoidosis is a multi system disease with variable clinical signs depending on the location and severity of the lesions. The solitary involvement of the central nervous system is quite uncommon. We present a case of isolated neuro sarcoidosis accompanied by diabetes insipid, aseptic meningitis and a tumor-like mass in the hypothalamic region as the presenting signs of the disease. The CT and MR findings are nonspecific, but agree with those described previously in the literature for this infrequent site of the disease. The rapid clinical recovery and normalization of the radiologic signs following corticosteroid therapy, as well as the elevation of the levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) support this diagnosis. (Author) 17 refs