The biopsy specimen revealed subcutaneous noncaseating granulomas, consistent with subcutaneous sarcoidosis. Special stains were negative for organisms, and the findings of polariscopic examination were normal. The results of further workup, including chest radiography and a pulmonary function test, were consistent with sarcoidosis. The patient is being treated with systemic corticosteroids.
The term Darier-Roussy sarcoidosis was first used in 1906 to describe a granulomatous process affecting the subcutaneous tissue. Although it was initially used to describe granulomas that arose as a result of tuberculosis, the term has since been used to describe various granulomatous processes, ranging from foreign body granulomas to syphilis.1 This inconsistent use of the term has engendered much confusion. Therefore, a proposal has been made to use the term subcutaneous sarcoidosis to describe subcutaneous granulomas of sarcoidal origin.2