Periocular cutaneous sarcoid: case series and review of the literature

To illustrate the varying clinical presentations of cutaneous sarcoidosis affecting the periocular region, which may masquerade as other clinical entities such as basal cell carcinoma or seborrheic dermatitis. Furthermore, the authors present an unusual observation of lupus pernio involving the adnexal region with the rare presence of perineural granulomas on histology following incisional biopsy.

We report a consecutive series of four cases with lesions involving the eyelids with varying clinical appearances. All four patients presented to our adnexal service undergoing incisional diagnostic biopsy. Histology following biopsy subsequently resulted in further investigation and management of both local cutaneous lesions and systemic sarcoidosis.

Three of our four cases had evidence of pulmonary involvement on chest X-ray. Over an 18-month period, one of two patients responded to intralesional triamcinolone and subsequently to oral methotrexate (15 mg/week). Two patients were observed with their periocular lesions remaining stable without therapy.

All four patients presented to the adnexal service with lesions of varying morphology and were diagnosed with sarcoidosis following incisional biopsy highlighting the vital role of oculoplastic surgeons in diagnosing this multisystem inflammatory disease. We describe our experience of intralesional triamcinolone, oral methotrexate and watchful observation in the management of such lesions.