Reactivation of old scars: inevitably sarcoid.
Reactivation of pre-existing scars, as a manifestation of cutaneous sarcoidosis, is uncommon and the clinical significance of this odd symptom often remains unrecognised. In the appropriate setting a skin biopsy may serve to establish the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and avoid more invasive attempts at obtaining tissue. The case of a 72 year old man with remote reactivation of multiple cutaneous scars associated with a febrile illness, malaise, and hilar adenopathy is reported. A scar biopsy revealed multiple non-caseating granulomas and established the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. A short course of steroids was successful in causing regression of symptoms and cutaneous inflammation. Regression of inflammation in the scar provides a simple way to monitor response to treatment in this multisystem disease.
Sorabjee
J S
JS
Department of Medicine, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, 12 New Marine Lines, Bombay 400020, Maharashtra State, India. jsorabjee@vsnl.com
Garje
R
R
D000368:Aged; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis