Imaging features of subcutaneous sarcoidosis

Abstract 

Objective. This report describes subcutaneous sarcoidosis, focusing on the radiological and magnetic resonance (MR) features of the disease. Design and patients. The cases of four patients (one male and three female, age range 36–75 years) who had subcutaneous sarcoidosis with no other organs affected were reviewed. Lesions were nodular in two cases, and in the other two were diffuse. Results. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a well-defined, homogeneous, and enhanced lesion in the nodular cases. However, in the diffuse cases, CT showed a heterogeneous, honeycomb-like appearance and little enhancement. Angiography showed a fine stain in the arterial phase. MR imaging of the nodular lesions was homogeneous with a signal intensity similar to muscle on T1-weighted images but heterogeneous with a higher signal than muscle on T2-weighted images. Diffuse lesions showed a striped or mesh pattern with intermediate signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Contrast-enhanced MR images showed slight enhancement. Conclusions. Subcutaneous sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a patient presents with the radiological and MR features described.