Sarcoidosis Developing During Secukinumab Therapy: Case Report

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous inflammatory disease with an unknown etiology and complex pathogenesis. Existing literature supports the relationship of new-onset sarcoidosis with the use of a several biologic agents. Since the skin is the second most commonly involved organ in sarcoidosis and often precedes systemic involvement, dermatologists must be able to recognize its non-specific clinical presentation. Case Report: We present a 45 year old female with psoriatic arthritis who developed biopsy proven cutaneous sarcoidal granulomas with pulmonary involvement shortly after initiating secukinumab for treatment of psoriatic arthritis. Despite discontinuation of secukinumab, the sarcoidosis has persisted. Discussion: This is the first case report of secukinumab, or any IL-17 inhibitor related sarcoidosis that we are aware of in the literature. Dermatologists should be aware of this as a possible side effect of secukinumab use. As the research on the role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis continues to develop, the implications of this side effect of IL-17 inhibition may have important future implications.