Cutaneous sarcoidosis masquerading as chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus - case report. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vatanchi, Marjon; Sobhani, Kaivon; Fisher, Valerie; Meffert, Jeffrey
• Is Part Of: BMC dermatology. Volume 16:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Sarcoidosis -- Lupus -- Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus -- Discoid lupus -- CCLE -- DLE; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.1186/s12895-016-0052-3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-5945

Abstract

Abstract 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.