Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2016 | Case report
Cutaneous sarcoidosis masquerading as chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus - case report
Published in: BMC Dermatology | Issue 1/2016
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Background
Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic granulomatous disease of unknown origin. Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) is an autoimmune disease that is associated with autoantibody production and T-cell dysfunction. Cutaneous manifestations of sarcoidosis may mimic CCLE and vice versa making it difficult to reach a diagnosis clinically.
Case presentation
We present a case of a 57-year-old woman with long-standing sarcoidosis who presented to clinic with diffuse painful plaques that were very distinct and suggestive of CCLE. She had a family history of both sarcoidosis and CCLE. The patient was immediately started on topical corticosteroids and oral hydroxychloroquine. Skin biopsy and the absence of direct immunofluorescence confirmed a skin manifestation of her previously diagnosed sarcoidosis, despite the clinical morphology favoring classic CCLE.
Conclusion
Sarcoidosis may have diverse manifestations and may mimic other disease processes. A detailed history along with a low threshold for biopsy is important for determining a diagnosis.