Subcutaneous sarcoidosis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Rheumatology
• Pathology

Background:

• Subcutaneous sarcoidosis affects 1.4% to 6% of systemic sarcoidosis patients.
• Typically observed in women aged 50-60.
• Manifests as asymptomatic, firm subcutaneous nodules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical and histopathological features of subcutaneous sarcoidosis.
• To highlight its typical presentation and patient demographics.

Main Methods:

• Review of reported cases of subcutaneous sarcoidosis.
• Analysis of clinical presentation, lesion location, and histopathological findings.

Main Results:

• Lesions commonly appear on upper extremities, particularly forearms, often bilateral and asymmetric.
• Nodules are asymptomatic with normal overlying epidermis.
• Histopathology reveals noncaseating granulomas in fat lobules with minimal septal involvement.

Conclusions:

• Subcutaneous sarcoidosis is a distinct clinical subset of sarcoidosis.
• Early presentation and characteristic histopathology aid diagnosis.
• Often associated with early-stage systemic sarcoidosis, not chronic fibrotic disease.