Systemic sarcoidosis: the "leopard-man" sign

Joint Bone Spine. 2006 Jan;73(1):109-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2005.04.007. Epub 2005 Sep 28.

Abstract

Systemic sarcoidosis is often diagnosed late. A 37 year-old man from the Antilles was admitted for evaluation of arthralgia, subcutaneous and cutaneous nodules, multiple enlarged lymph nodes, and an epididymal lump. He had been given a diagnosis of epididymal and nodal tuberculosis but had not responded to antitubercular agents. Gallium-67 scintigraphy showed multiple hot spots in the soft tissues, skin, muscles, mediastinum, and lachrymal glands, producing a diffuse dappled pattern. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thighs confirmed the muscular and subcutaneous involvement. Systemic sarcoidosis was diagnosed. Prednisone therapy was promptly effective. We suggest the term "dappled-body sign" or "leopard-man sign" to designate the heretofore undescribed scintigraphic pattern in our patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lacrimal Apparatus / diagnostic imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mediastinum / diagnostic imaging
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis*
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy
  • Skin / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisone