A case of sarcoidosis presenting as a non-specific intramedullary lesion

Neurosarcoidosis occurs in 5-15% of sarcoidosis cases. Approximately 50% of patients with neurosarcoidosis present with a neurological disease at the time sarcoidosis is first diagnosed. Spinal sarcoidosis is rare. We report the case of a 61-year-old man with a highly aspecific intramedullary lesion as the first manifestation of sarcoidosis. One year after the onset of neurological symptoms, the high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme and the results of a total body gallium scan and bronchoalveolar lavage supported the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Isolated single reports indicate that spinal neurosarcoidosis may be the initial manifestation of sarcoidosis. In our case, magnetic resonance imaging of the dorsal spine showed a largely aspecific lesion. Neurosarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary cord lesion with leptomeningeal enhancement; a systematic search for evidence of sarcoidosis should be mandatory in all cases for a correct diagnosis and early treatment.

Bedtime cabergoline in Parkinson's disease patients with excessive daytime sleepiness induced by dopamine agonists

Excessive daytime somnolence is a common adverse effect of dopamine-agonist treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Many factors, such as age and sleep disturbances, could be involved in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. However, pharmacokinetic factors have never been considered. In this open, prospective, pilot study, nine consecutive non-demented PD patients in early disease stages on monotherapy treatment with dopamine agonists and with no significant sleep problems, were enrolled. They were selected based on the presence of excessive daytime sleepiness induced by the dopaminergic treatment. A fast switch-over from the dopamine agonist currently used to a single equivalent dose of cabergoline, a long-acting dopamine agonist, administered at bedtime was performed. All patients were evaluated by means of UPDRS and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). A significant 70% reduction of daytime sleepiness was observed during the 3-month study compared with baseline. Data from this study suggest that both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of dopamine agonist-induced sleepiness.