Imaging findings in three cases of the nodular type of muscular sarcoidosis

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2004 Oct;183(4):995-9. doi: 10.2214/ajr.183.4.1830995.

Abstract

Objective: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous multisystem disorder that may uncommonly involve muscle. We report the sonographic and MRI findings in three cases of the nodular type of muscular sarcoidosis.

Conclusion: Intramuscular hypoechoic well-defined nodules in young patients or patients with a history of sarcoidosis suggest the diagnosis of intramuscular sarcoid. MRI is useful in detecting muscle sarcoid, evaluating the extent and distribution of muscle involvement, and monitoring the patient during follow-up after steroid therapy. MRI showed nodules that were iso- or hyperintense relative to muscle on T1-weighted sequences. On T2-weighted images and STIR sequences, we observed numerous intramuscular nodules of homogeneous high signal intensity. All nodules enhanced homogeneously on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences. Disappearance of all nodules was seen on follow-up sonograms and MR images after patients had received steroid therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Muscular Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Muscular Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography