Lupus erythematosus tumidus with discoid lupus erythematosus-induced alopecia of the scalp

Dermatol Online J. 2011 Oct 15;17(10):24.

Abstract

Lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) is an uncommon variant of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Lupus erythematodes tumidus is characterized by smooth, erythematous plaques on sun-exposed areas without surface changes, such as follicular plugs, atrophy, or scale. Histopathologic features include a lymphocytic, perivascular and periadnexal infiltrate with abundant interstitial, superficial, and deep dermal mucin without appreciable epidermal and vacuolar changes. Typically, LET is responsive to treatment with systemic antimalarials. We present a unique case of alopecia associated with LET, which was partially responsive to hydroxychloroquine. We also note that the plaque of LET is adjacent to the plaque of discoid lupus erythematosus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alopecia / drug therapy
  • Alopecia / etiology*
  • Alopecia / pathology
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / blood
  • Black or African American
  • Dermis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / classification
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / pathology
  • Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Male
  • Mucins / analysis

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Mucins
  • SS-A antibodies
  • Hydroxychloroquine