Sarcoidosis with subcutaneous lesions

Abstract

A 30-year-old man presented for evaluation of multiple, hypopigmented macules and erythematous papules on his upper and lower lips and upper extremities. He subsequently developed firm, non-tender, subcutaneous, mobile nodules on the left forearm, left calf, and right thigh. Clinical and histopathologic features were consistent with cutaneous and subcutaneous sarcoidosis. Systemic evaluation showed no evidence of extracutaneous involvement. Subcutaneous sarcoidosis is a rare form of nodular cutaneous sarcoidosis. Typical skin findings are painless, firm, mobile nodules without overlying epidermal involvement and with a predilection for the trunk and extremities. Histopathologic alterations include epilthelioid cell tubercles in the subcutaneous fat. As this is a diagnosis of exclusion, other etiologies of granulomatous inflammation must be ruled out with tests and special stains. The mainstay of treatment is with oral glucocorticoids.