Subcutaneous sarcoidosis without systemic involvement

Subcutaneous sarcoidosis is a rare variant of cutaneous sarcoidosis, which typically presents as single or multiple, indurated, ill-defined plaques, typically on the upper extremities. Granulomas consisting of macrophages with multinucleated giant cells and sparse lymphocytic inflammation are confined to the subcutaneous tissue, rather than to their usual location within the dermis in typical lesions of cutaneous sarcoidosis. An association between subcutaneous sarcoidosis and systemic involvement has been reported, although response to treatment and prognosis remain good. We report a case of a middle-aged woman with subcutaneous sarcoidosis, with negative work-up for systemic involvement of sarcoidosis. Interestingly, family history was significant for a son who died from complications of pulmonary sarcoidosis. The patient was successfully treated with a tapering course of oral prednisone in combination with hydroxychloroquine