Vertebral sarcoidosis: diagnosis to management

Acta Orthop Belg. 2022 Dec;88(4):655-660. doi: 10.52628/88.4.10839.

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory granulomatous disease that can develop in almost any organ system. Rheumatologists may encounter sarcoidosis in different situations varying from arthralgia to bone involvement. While the peripheral skeleton was a frequent location, data regarding axial involvement is scarce. Most patients with vertebral involvement have a known diagnosis of intrathoracic sarcoidosis. They tend to report mechanical pain or tenderness over the involved area. Imaging modalities, particularly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are a mainstay of axial screening. It helps exclude differential diagnoses and delineate the extent of bone involvement. Histological confirmation combined with the ap- propriate clinical and radiological presentation is the key of diagnosis. Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of treatment. In refractory cases, methotrexate is the steroid- sparing agent of choice. Biologic therapies may be used, although the evidence base for their efficacy is bone sarcoidosis controversial.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Sarcoidosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Sarcoidosis* / drug therapy
  • Spine

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Radiopharmaceuticals