Isolated Sacral Sarcoidosis a Hidden Cause of Sciatica: Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

Abstract

Bone involvement in sarcoidosis is rare; its estimated prevalence ranges between 3 and 13%. Osseous lesions usually occur in the phalanges of the hands and feet. Involvement of the axial skeleton is more uncommon. Osseous involvement may be asymptomatic. It is often incidentally discovered on imaging modalities. Radiological techniques can reveal sclerotic and/or destructive lesions. We present a case of a 61-year-old woman in whom osseous sarcoidosis of the sacrum was revealed by back pain and sciatica. To our knowledge, only one isolated case of sacral sarcoidosis has been reported in the literature. Sarcoid bone lesions can be present at disease onset without pulmonary involvement. A biopsy is often required in order to eliminate other conditions, especially malignancy. Treatment is not specific and also not needed in a significant number of cases.