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Abstract Details

When Granulomas Meet Aquaporin-4: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in Necrotizing Neurosarcoidosis
Autoimmune Neurology
P3 - Poster Session 3 (11:30 AM-12:30 PM)
1-091
To report a case of probable neurosarcoidosis with atypical necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and coexisting aquaporin-4 antibody positivity. 
Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis of the CNS is rare, and coexistence with anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies is exceedingly uncommon. Research focuses on each disorder separately, and no clear management guidelines exist, creating a practice gap in diagnosis and treatment.

We describe a 60-year-old African American female who initially presented with progressive numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet, evolving into bilateral leg weakness, right foot drop, gait instability, and recurrent falls. Examination revealed bilateral optic disc pallor and saccadic intrusions, right-predominant leg weakness, generalized hyperreflexia, bilateral positive Hoffman signs, wide-based gait, and impaired coordination. Brain MRI showed multiple punctate enhancing foci in the posterior fossa. Spine MRI revealed multifocal leptomeningeal enhancement throughout the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, while whole-body PET demonstrated tracer uptake in the spinal canal and pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes. CSF analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis (95 WBC/µL, 88% lymphocytes), hypoglycorrhachia (20 mg/dL; normal 40-70), elevated protein (197 mg/dL; normal 15-45), markedly increased IgG synthesis rate (232 mg/day; normal 0-8), elevated IgG index (1.49; normal 0.3-0.7), and 11 CSF-restricted oligoclonal bands; infectious and autoimmune panels were negative. Inguinal lymph node biopsy demonstrated focally caseating granulomatous inflammation concerning for atypical necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis, probable neurosarcoidosis. Unexpectedly, serum aquaporin-4 IgG antibody was strongly positive at 1:1280 via cell-based assay. The patient received high-dose corticosteroids with partial improvement, and recurrent deficits prompted initiation of Rituximab therapy, resulting in clinical benefit.

NA
The presence of anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies may indicate autoimmunity in CNS sarcoidosis, though coexistence is exceedingly rare. Recognizing this overlap is critical, as it impacts diagnosis and treatment in complex neuroinflammatory disorders. Rituximab is a plausible therapeutic option due to its off-label use and reported benefit in targeting both NMOSD and refractory sarcoidosis.
Authors/Disclosures
Lakshman N. Arcot Jayagopal, MD (Nebraska Medical Center)
PRESENTER
Dr. Arcot Jayagopal has nothing to disclose.
Sulafa G. Saffarini, MD (university of nebraska medical center) Dr. Saffarini has nothing to disclose.
Ayush Gupta, MD Dr. Gupta has nothing to disclose.
Rana K. Zabad, MD, FAAN (University of Nebraska Medical Center) Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Bayer. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genentech. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Celgene/BMS. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genzyme. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Merck Serono. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Teva Neurosciences. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for TG Therapeutics. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Teva. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Novartis. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Genentech. Dr. Zabad has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for BMS. The institution of Dr. Zabad has received research support from Adamas. The institution of Dr. Zabad has received research support from Biogen. The institution of Dr. Zabad has received research support from Novartis. The institution of Dr. Zabad has received research support from Sun Pharma. The institution of Dr. Zabad has received research support from Parexel & MedDay Pharmaceuticals.