Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease, of unknown etiology, characterized by noncaseating epithelioid granulomas. It may affect many organs mainly lungs, lymph nodes and skin.

AIM:

The aim of our study is to evaluate retrospectively the epidemiological, clinical features and therapeutic particularities of cutaneous sarocidosis through a hospital series conducted in the dermatology department of Habib Thameur hospital. METHODS We have included 28 patients (23 females and 5 males) with a mean age of 45.5 years.

RESULTS:

The most frequent skin lesions were: papular sarcoidosis in 6 cases, nodular sarcoidosis in 8 cases and plaques in 6 cases. The other clinical types observed were: lupus pernio (2 cases), subcutaneous nodules (2 cases) and scar sarcoidosis (2 cases). Three patients presented erythema nodosum. Tuberculin skin test was negative in 77% of cases. Lymph nodes were palpable in 4 patients. Investigative exams revealed intrathoracic involvement in 8 cases and anterior uveitis sequels in 2 cases. Cutaneous manifestations were treated by chloroquin in 13 cases, allopurinol in 3 cases and intralesional betamethasone injections in 1 case. Five patients, with systemic involvement, underwent a therapy with oral corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION:

Sarcoidosis is a rare affection in Tunisia that affects mainly females. Cutaneous manifestations incite physicians to carry out complete investigations and to uphold a regular follow-up in order to detect systemic involvement.