Dey Ritwik, Kattamuri Lakshmi, Chirrareddy Yagnapriya, Luna Ceron Eder, Sharma Kunal, Padilla Osvaldo, Deoker Abhizith
Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, USA.
Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, USA.
J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep. 2025 Jan-Dec;13:23247096251352366. doi: 10.1177/23247096251352366. Epub 2025 Jun 26.
Löfgren's syndrome is an acute, self-limiting variant of sarcoidosis, typically presenting with erythema nodosum, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, and acute arthritis or periarthritis-most commonly involving the ankles. Its clinical overlap with other inflammatory conditions can pose a diagnostic challenge. We describe a 34-year-old male with no prior medical history who presented with bilateral ankle and foot pain, erythema, and swelling, initially diagnosed as cellulitis based on imaging findings. He has no response to broad-spectrum antibiotics. During his further hospital stay, he developed polyarthritis. Laboratory evaluation revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis, elevated inflammatory markers, and a normal serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level. Imaging showed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and intra-abdominal adenopathy. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage revealed an elevated CD4:CD8 ratio (5.0), and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration confirmed noncaseating granulomas. Infectious, autoimmune, and malignant causes were excluded. Based on clinical features and histology, a diagnosis of Löfgren's syndrome was established. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy led to rapid clinical improvement, and antibiotics were discontinued. Löfgren's syndrome should be considered in patients presenting with bilateral lower extremity erythema and swelling unresponsive to antibiotics, especially when accompanied by systemic symptoms. Early thoracic imaging and consideration of sarcoidosis in the differential diagnosis can prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
洛弗格伦综合征是结节病的一种急性、自限性变体,典型表现为结节性红斑、双侧肺门淋巴结肿大以及急性关节炎或关节周围炎,最常累及踝关节。它与其他炎症性疾病在临床上的重叠可能带来诊断挑战。我们描述了一名34岁无既往病史的男性,他出现双侧踝关节和足部疼痛、红斑及肿胀,最初根据影像学检查结果被诊断为蜂窝织炎。他对广谱抗生素无反应。在进一步住院期间,他发展为多关节炎。实验室检查显示中性粒细胞增多、炎症标志物升高,血清血管紧张素转换酶水平正常。影像学显示双侧肺门淋巴结肿大和腹腔淋巴结肿大。支气管镜检查及支气管肺泡灌洗显示CD4:CD8比值升高(5.0),支气管内超声引导下经支气管针吸活检证实为非干酪样肉芽肿。排除了感染、自身免疫和恶性病因。根据临床特征和组织学检查,确诊为洛弗格伦综合征。非甾体类抗炎药治疗使临床症状迅速改善,停用了抗生素。对于出现双侧下肢红斑和肿胀且对抗生素无反应的患者,尤其是伴有全身症状时,应考虑洛弗格伦综合征。早期进行胸部影像学检查并在鉴别诊断中考虑结节病,可防止误诊和不必要的治疗。