Subcutaneous sarcoidosis

Abstract

Subcutaneous sarcoidosis is a rare cutaneous expression of systemic sarcoidosis. It is first observed as subcutaneous nodules, principally on the extremities, which show a typical histopathologic appearance of sarcoidosis localized to the subcutaneous tissue. It may be associated with the early benign hilar adenopathy syndrome of sarcoidosis or with the later stages of progressive sarcoidosis. We present three previously unreported cases of subcutaneous sarcoidosis and a review of the literature on this disorder. In the past, the term Darier-Roussy sarcoid had been used for many different forms of granulomatous panniculitis, including sarcoidosis. This usage has caused confusion, and we prefer the term subcutaneous sarcoidosis.