Sarcoidal granulomas in a cosmetic tattoo in association with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology, which may affect multiple organ systems. The skin is involved in up to one-third of cases. The development of granulomatous lesions within tattoos is a well-recognized phenomenon in patients with sarcoidosis. The characteristic histology shows non-caseating granulomas; however similar findings may be seen in foreign body granulomas. We report on a patient, who developed sarcoidal granulomas within the black pigment of his tattoos. This subsequently led to the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis.