Sarcoidosis: An unusual presentation

Reumatol Clin. 2017 Jul-Aug;13(4):227-229. doi: 10.1016/j.reuma.2016.03.008. Epub 2016 Apr 8.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

A 35-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of arthralgia and purple coloration of the skin of his fingers and feet. Hand and foot radiography showed cystic bone lesions on phalanges suggestive of sarcoidosis. Lab tests revealed increased liver enzymes. Liver MRI evidenced an enlarged liver and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Histological analysis of the finger skin, lymph nodes and liver demonstrated the presence of granulomas, confirming the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The patient started prednisolone with rapid improvement of the symptoms. Skin lesions are divided into two groups: specific for sarcoidosis (with granulomas, lupus pernio-like) and nonspecific (without granulomas, erythema nodosum-like). Specific cutaneous lesions usually cause no other symptoms beyond cosmetic changes. Lupus pernio stands out for having distinctive features but, to the best of our knowledge, the simultaneous involvement of both hands and feet has never been reported.

Keywords: Bone lesions; Lesiones óseas; Lupus pernio; Sarcoidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis*