A Case of Sarcoidosis Associated with Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. A range of factors including tuberculous infection, beryllium exposure, and cold climate have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the condition. A 45-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of an asymptomatic eyelid swelling and multiple erythematous papules on the neck. Histological examination of the neck, orbital soft tissue, and lacrimal gland was consistent with sarcoidosis. Ziehl−Neelsen stains and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) for tuberculosis on the skin biopsy specimens were negative. However, the orbital soft tissue specimen was positive for non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) PCR. The patient was finally diagnosed with sarcoidosis associated with NTM. Treatment with systemic steroid and hydroxychloroquine was started, resulting in an improvement of skin lesions. We herein report a case of sarcoidosis associated with NTM infection with review of the literature, as only little is known regarding the role of mycobacteria in sarcoidosis.