Lupus erythematosus panniculitis in a 16-year old girl.

Abstract

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a group of autoimmune disorders with a clinical spectrum ranging from localized discoid lesions (DLE) to life-threatening systemic manifestations (1).

Lupus erythematosus panniculitis is a rare variant that may occur as a separate disease or coexist with DLE or SLE (2). The incidence is estimated between 1-3% of LE cases, more prevalent (2:1) among females (5), especially at a young age. It is characterized by persistent, tender, and hard nodules localized on the face, arms, shoulders, breasts, and buttocks. Healing of lesions is associated with scarring, lipoatrophy, and rarely ulceration (7).

The diagnosis is based on the clinical-pathological correlation. Histopathological features are lymphocytic panniculitis, hyaline degeneration and calcification, allowing the diagnosis (6).

There is non consensus on the therapeutic approach. Local treatment with corticosteroids (topical or injectable) is used (4). Antimalarial drugs seem to be beneficial in mild cases of isolated LP (8).