Histologic observations of variably acid-fast pleomorphic bacteria in systemic sarcoidosis: a report of 3 cases

Tissue sections of skin and lymph nodes from three consecutively diagnosed cases of systemic sarcoidosis were studied for the presence of acid-fast bacteria, utilizing routine and acid-fast staining techniques recently recommended for the demonstration of cell-wall-deficient bacteria (L-forms). Evidence of variably acid-fast cocco-bacillary forms was present within the biopsy material of all the patients. The combined findings of variably sized, predominantly coccoid forms, along with larger forms resembling L-form "large bodies," and short acid-fast rods all suggest that cell-wall-deficient bacteria (possibly related to the mycobacteria or corynebacteria) may be present in cases of sarcoidosis.