Lupus Panniculitis: Clinico-histopathological Analysis of a Case Series.
- Author:
Jae Wang KIM
1
;
Jinseok KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Cheju National University, Jeju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Systemic lupus erythematosus;
Lupus panniculitis
- MeSH:
Antibodies, Antinuclear;
Buttocks;
Dapsone;
Diagnosis;
Female;
Humans;
Hyalin;
Korea;
Lower Extremity;
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic;
Medical Records;
Mucins;
Panniculitis;
Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus*;
Physical Examination;
Retrospective Studies;
Subcutaneous Fat;
Triamcinolone;
Upper Extremity;
Vasculitis
- From:The Journal of the Korean Rheumatism Association
2006;13(2):107-115
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP) is a rare subtype of chronic cutaneous LE. Until now, a few studies about the clinico-histopathological data of LEP have been conducted in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical, serological, and histopathologic features of LEP. METHODS: The clinical survey was retrospectively performed through the available medical records in 15 cases with LEP. The histopathologic, serologic and clinical findings were included in this analysis. RESULTS: LEP occurred primarily in females (F:M=4:1). The mean age at diagnosis was 37.5 years. 20% (3/15) of the patients was associated with SLE. DLE was accompanied with LEP in 26.6% (4/15). The predilectional sites were as follows in order: upper limbs (33.3%), lower limbs (20%), trunk (26.6%), buttock (13.3%) and face (6.6%). The fluorescent antinuclear antibody (FANA) was positive in 46% (7/15) of all cases. The main histopathologic characteristics of LEP were lymphocytic lobular panniculitis (100%), hyaline degeneration (86.6%), lymphoid aggregates (60%), mucin deposition (60%), lymphocytic vasculitis (40%). The treatment included anti-malarial agents, systemic corticosteroid, dapsone, intralesional triamcinolone injection. Although significant remission was proven in most cases (86.6%) of LEP, they represented a chronic relapsing course (83.3%). CONCLUSION: LEP is a chronic inflammatory disease of subcutaneous adipose tissue that can develop during the course of SLE. Evaluation of patients suspected of having LE panniculitis should include a complete history taking and physical examination as well as serologic studies, determination of peripheral blood counts, and tests of renal function.
