Skeletal Sarcoidosis

Abstract

Osseous sarcoidosis is an uncommon manifestation, reported in 3–13% of patients with sarcoidosis. Although older literature suggested that hands and feet are most commonly affected, axial bone involvement may be more common than previously reported, since earlier studies relied mostly on plain X-rays, which may be less sensitive for axial bone lesions. Newer imaging modalities such as MRI and PET/CT scanning have demonstrated a larger incidence of vertebral involvement. Bone lesions are commonly asymptomatic and patients who have bone involvement may have higher incidences of multi-organ involvement. Osseous sarcoidosis appears to be mainly osteolytic in nature, but the radiographic appearance may be indistinguishable from other osteolytic lesions and therefore a biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. The histological findings of sarcoidosis in the bone are the same as in other tissues of the body. No general consensus exists for the treatment of bone sarcoidosis but corticosteroids are the most commonly prescribed first-line drugs. Methotrexate is the most widely studied steroid-sparing agent for sarcoidosis and it has been reported useful for a variety of organ symptoms, but especially where there is bone involvement.