[Sarcoidal granulomas following injections of botulic toxin A (Botox) for corrections of wrinkles].

BACKGROUND

The introduction of foreign material into the skin can lead to sarcoidal reactions. Such a reaction is reported, consecutive to injections of botulic toxin A (Botox).

CASE REPORT

A 57-year-old woman, noticed the occurrence of frontal and glabellar nodules, 3 weeks after the injection of botulic toxin A (Botox), for the correction of wrinkles. Histopathological examination revealed a sarcoidal granuloma. Clinical and biological investigations were negative, ruling out the hypothesis of systemic sarcoidosis. The lesion could be reproduced experimentally by an intradermal injection of botulic toxin A on the volar aspect of the forearm. Corticosteroids per os associated with intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetonide were followed by a complete regression of the nodules.

DISCUSSION

The occurrence of sarcoidal granulomas at the sites of injection of botulic toxin A (Botox(R)) has not been reported - so far - in the literature. Systemic sarcoidosis has been ruled out. The sarcoidal reaction has been reproduced experimentally by the intradermal injection of botulic toxin A, but not by saline. This leads to think that the sarcoidal reaction was provoked by antigenic stimulation, comparable to the Kveim reaction, and did not correspond to "scar sarcoidosis".