Löfgren's syndrome presenting with erythema nodosum-like eruption

Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2007;15(4):249-53.

Abstract

Löfgren's syndrome is an acute form of sarcoidosis that mostly presents with erythema nodosum, periarticular ankle inflammation, arthritis, conjunctivitis, and unilateral or bilateral hilar or right paratracheal lymphadenopathy. Erythema nodosum is the most common cutaneous lesion in acute sarcoidosis, but it is histologically nonspecific, as it does not reveal sarcoidal granulomas upon microscopic examination. We present a case of a 57-year-old woman with acute onset of tender erythematous nodules on the calves, which were clinically erythema nodosum-like lesions. Histologic analysis revealed sarcoidal granulomas located in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Upon further work-up, the patient was found to have both pulmonary and ocular sarcoidosis. Based on this case, we recommend that all patients with erythema nodosum-like lesions undergo biopsy and further work-up for sarcoidosis is recommended in case of biopsy proven sarcoidal granulomas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Erythema Nodosum / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Sarcoidosis / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology*
  • Syndrome