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Postgrad Med J 2005;81:60-61 doi:10.1136/pgmj.2004.018796
  • Case report

Reactivation of old scars: inevitably sarcoid

  1. J S Sorabjee,
  2. R Garje
  1. Department of Medicine, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, Bombay, India
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr Jehangir S Sorabjee
 Department of Medicine, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, 12 New Marine Lines, Bombay 400020, Maharashtra State, India; jsorabjeevsnl.com
  • Received 8 January 2004
  • Accepted 20 February 2004

Abstract

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.

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