Foreign body granulomatous reaction to silica, silicone, and hyaluronic acid in a patient with interferon-induced sarcoidosis

• Published in: Actas dermo-sifiliográficas (English ed.) 2013-12, Vol.104 (10), p.920-923
• Main Authors: Novoa, R, Barnadas, M A, Torras, X, Curell, R, Alomar, A
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; spa
• Subjects: Antiviral Agents - adverse effects; Breast Implants - adverse effects; Female; Granuloma, Foreign-Body - chemically induced; Granuloma, Foreign-Body - complications; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid - adverse effects; Interferon-alpha - adverse effects; Middle Aged; Polyethylene Glycols - adverse effects; Recombinant Proteins - adverse effects; Sarcoidosis - chemically induced; Sarcoidosis - complications; Silicon Dioxide - adverse effects; Silicones - adverse effects
• ISSN: 1578-2190
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2012.07.007

We report the case of a patient who developed sarcoid granulomas 11 months after starting treatment with pegylated interferon alfa and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. The sites of the lesions were related to 3 different foreign bodies: silica in old scars on the skin, hyaluronic acid that had been injected into facial tissues, and silicone in an axillary lymph node draining the area of a breast implant. Systemic sarcoidosis was diagnosed on the basis of a history of dry cough and fever and blood tests that revealed elevated angiotensin converting enzyme and liver enzymes. Interruption of the antiviral therapy led to normalization of liver function tests and disappearance of the skin lesions and lymphadenopathies. Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons should be aware of the risk of sarcoid lesions related to cosmetic implants in patients who may require treatment with interferon in the future.