VIIIth cranial nerve involvement in sarcoidosis.

Hearing loss and vertigo are uncommon but well-recognized complications of neurosarcoidosis. Until recently the site of the lesion has been debatable and the efficacy of steroids commonly prescribed for this type of hearing loss has been said to be doubtful. A case is presented of sarcoidosis-induced hearing loss in which bilateral VIIIth nerve lesions were demonstrable by MRI with gadolinium enhancement. Treatment with high-dose steroids and azathioprine produced a symptomatic improvement and virtual resolution of the lesions.