Chilblain lupus with nail involvement: a case report

Chilblain lupus is a rarely manifested variant of chronic lupus. Its appearance can be sporadic or hereditary associated with an autosomal dominant mutation. The diagnosis is clinical and histopathological. The case is presented of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with chilblain lupus and nail involvement, despite the use of antimalarials and immunomodulators.

La perniosis lúpica es una variante del lupus crónico que se manifiesta con poca frecuencia, su aparición puede ser esporádica o hereditaria, asociada con una mutación autosómica dominante, en tanto que su diagnóstico es clínico e histopatológico. Se reporta el caso de una mujer con lupus eritematoso sistémico con manifestación de perniosis lúpica y compromiso ungueal, a pesar del uso de antimaláricos e inmunomoduladores.

Lupus eritematoso cutáneo subagudo psoriasiforme. Reporte de caso / Subacute psoriasiform cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Case report

El Lupus eritematoso sistemico (LES) subagudo representa el 10% del total de los casos y en su variedad psoriasiforme resulta poco frecuente. Presentamos el caso de una paciente femenina de 22 años con el diagnóstico previo de LES y nefropatía lúpica hace 2 años, que refiere cuadro clínico de +/- aproximadamente 2 meses de evolución posterior a la suspensión de micofenolato de mofetilo. Ccuadro caracterizado por la aparición progresiva de lesiones dérmicas discoides, costrosas y descamativas que comprometen aproximadamente el 80% de la superficie corporal acompañado de orina espumosa. Examen físico: lesiones corporales respetando palmas y plantas, dolorosas a la digitopresión. Llenado capilar > a 2 segundos. Laboratorios: leucocitos 5930 y Granulocitos 90%. Examen general de orina: infeccioso. Se trata de LES cutáneo subagudo psoriasiforme. El tratamiento fue antibiótico, inmunosupresor y antihipertensivo. Se otorgó el Aalta hospitalaria con micofenolato y ciprofloxacino. El seguimiento debe realizarse por personal médico especializado en reumatología, nefrología y dermatología.

Subacute systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents 10% of all cases and is rare in its psoriasiform variety. We present the case of a 22-year-old female patient with a previous diagnosis of SLE and lupus nephropathy 2 years ago, who reported a clinical picture of +/- 2 months of evolution after the suspension of mycophenolate mofetil. Table characterized by the progressive appearance of discoid, crusty and scaly dermal lesions that involve approximately 80% of the body surface accompanied by foamy urine. Physical examination: bodily injuries respecting palms and soles, painful on acupressure. Capillary filling> 2 seconds. Laboratories: leukocytes 5930 and Granulocytes 90%. General urine test: infectious. This is subacute psoriasiform cutaneous SLE. The treatment was antibiotic, immunosuppressive and antihypertensive. Hospital discharge with mycophenolate and ciprofloxacin. Follow-up should be by medical personnel specialized in rheumatology, nephrology, and dermatology.

Lupus eritematoso sistémico ampolloso en un paciente varón de 16 años / Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus in a 16-year-old male patient

RESUMEN El lupus eritematoso sistémico ampolloso (LESA) es una enfermedad vesículo-ampollosa mediada por autoanticuerpos en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Se observan vesículas y ampollas tensas sobre una piel edematosa, eritematosa y, en ocasiones, normal en cualquier región del cuerpo, incluyendo áreas mucosas y que no han sido fotoexpuestas. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 16 años de edad con nefritis lúpica, que al séptimo día de hospitalización presenta múltiples ampollas serosas y hemorrágicas sobre el rostro, el tronco, el abdomen y las extremidades superiores. El estudio histológico mostró una dermatosis ampollar subepidérmica con numerosos neutrófilos.

ABSTRACT Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a vesiculobullous disease mediated by autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Tense vesicles and bullae are seen on an edematous, erythematous and sometimes normal skin in any body region, including mucous membranes and non-photoexposed areas. This is the case of a 16-year-old male patient with lupus nephritis who, on the seventh day of hospitalization, presented multiple serous and hemorrhagic blisters on the face, trunk, abdomen and upper extremities. The histological study showed a subepidermal bullous dermatosis with numerous neutrophils.

Manifestações cutâneas no lúpus eritematoso: o que o clínico precisa saber / Skin manifestations in the lupus erythematosus: what the clinician need to know

O lúpus eritematoso é uma doença autoimune complexa que afeta diversos órgãos. A pele é o segundo local mais acometido e as manifestações cutâneas são divididas em específicas e não específicas. As primeiras possuem em comum o achado histopatológico de dermatite de interface com degeneração vacuolar da camada basal e infiltrado linfocitário na junção dermoepidérmica e são subdivididas em agudas, subagudas e crônicas. As manifestações não específicas compõem um grupo heterogêneo de condições que frequentemente está associado ao lúpus eritematoso sistêmico. O conhecimento e a interpretação adequada de tais manifestações é importante, pois, além da relevância diagnóstica, as lesões cutâneas nos dão informações prognósticas. Portanto, é imprescindível que o clínico conheça as principais manifestações cutâneas do lúpus eritematoso para a melhor condução desses pacientes.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus, morphea profunda and psoriasis: A case report. / Lupus eritematoso cutáneo, morfea profunda y psoriasis en una paciente.

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory dermatosis that may be associated with a number of diseases. Recent studies provide evidence that there is a greater frequency of autoimmune diseases, but association with autoimmune connective tissue diseases is uncommon. The coexistence of psoriasis and lupus erythematosus is rare. Besides, the occurrence of morphea has rarely been reported in patients with lupus or psoriasis. We report a woman with cutaneous lupus and morphea profunda associated with psoriasis, with an excellent response to methotrexate, and review the literature.

Lupus erythematosus tumidus in childhood treated with antimalarials / Lupus eritematoso tumidus en la infancia tratado con antimalárico

Abstract Lupus erythematosus tumidus is a rare dermatosis. It is considered a subtype of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus of uncertain pathogenesis, favorable prognosis and rare association with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinically, it manifests as urticarial-like plaques in photo exposed areas, mainly affecting adults, being extremely rare in pediatric age. Herein, we present two cases of six and nine-year-old male patients with clinical and histological characteristics typical of lupus erythematosus tumidus and poor response to first-line treatment (topical, intralesional steroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors); therefore, it was decided to start systemic therapy with antimalarials, obtaining a very good response.

Resumen El lupus eritematoso tumidus es una dermatosis poco frecuente. Es considerada una variante del lupus eritematoso cutáneo crónico, de patogénesis incierta, pronóstico favorable y rara asociación con lupus eritematoso sistémico. Clínicamente, se manifiesta como placas de aspecto urticarial en zonas fotoexpuestas, que principalmente afectan a los adultos, siendo extremadamente rara en edad pediátrica. A continuación presentamos dos casos de pacientes de sexo masculino de seis y nueve años, con características clínicas e histológicas típicas de lupus eritematoso tumidus y poca respuesta al tratamiento de primera línea (esteroides tópicos, intralesionales e inhibidores de calcineurina tópica), por lo que se decidió iniciar manejo sistémico con antimalárico, obteniendo muy buena respuesta terapéutica.

Necrólisis epidérmica tóxica y lupus eritematoso sistémico / Toxic epidermal necrolysis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Resumen El lupus eritematoso sistémico con manifestación tipo necrólisis epidérmica tóxica es una entidad descrita recientemente y cada vez aparecen más reportes en la literatura. Se describe el caso de una paciente de 15 años con lupus eritematoso sistémico quien presentó una necrólisis epidérmica tóxica extensa, cuyas lesiones iniciales eran tipo eritema multiforme. Se discute el caso a la luz de la literatura actual sobre esta nueva entidad.

Abstract Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)-like systemic lupus erythematosus is a recently described entity and more cases are being published in the literature today. We describe the case of a 15-year old patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed TEN that initially started with erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesiones. We discuss this case according to the published literature on this new entity.

Lupus cutáneo inducido por adalimumab / Adalimumab-induced cutaneous lupus

La terapia antifactor de necrosis tumoral se ha convertido en los últimos años en uno de los pilares fundamentales para el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide. El adalimumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal humanizado empleado en el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide. Se describe un caso de lupus cutáneo inducido por adalimumab.

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have become one of the most important treatments of rheumatoid arthritis. Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of this condition. A case is described of adalimumab induced cutaneous lupus.

Lupus eritematoso neonatal: reporte de un caso / Neonatal lupus erythematosus: case report

El lupus eritematoso neonatal (LEN) es una enfermedad muy poco frecuente que se presenta en el recién nacido, dada por el pasaje transplacentario de autoanticuerpos anti Ro/SSA, anti La/SSB y U1-RNP. Las principales manifestaciones clínicas son dermatológicas y cardíacas, pudiendo además presentar manifestaciones hepáticas, hematológicas y/o neurológicas. Presentamos un caso clínico de un lactante de 3 meses al que se le realizó diagnóstico de LEN en base a la presencia de lesiones cutáneas y hallazgos histopatológicos e inmunológicos compatibles, no se acompañó de manifestaciones sistémicas y presentó una muy buena evolución posterior. El interés del caso es mostrar una patología poco frecuente que suele presentarse con lesiones cutáneas características, destacando que el pronóstico estará determinado por el compromiso cardíaco y que permite en muchos casos realizar diagnóstico materno de una enfermedad autoinmune asintomática.

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (LEN) is a rare disease that occurs in the newborn given by the transplacental passage of maternal Anti-Ro/SSA, Anti-La/SSB and Anti-U1-RNP autoantibodies. The main clinical manifestations are dermatologic and cardiac, it may also have hepatic, hematologic or/and neurological ones. The study reports a case of a three month infant who is diagnosed with LEN, based on the presence of consistent findings of skin lesions and histopathology and immunology compatible findings. In this case, it was not accompanied by systemic manifestations evolution was a favorable one. The case is relevant since it presents an unusual condition that is usually accompanied by characteristic skin lesions, where prognosis is determined by cardiac involvement. In many cases, this enables maternal diagnosis of an asymptomatic autoimmune disease.

Lupus Eritematoso Cutáneo Discoide en una paciente con Esclerodermia Sistémica limitada / Cutaneous Discoid Erythematosus Lupus in a patient with limited Systemic Scleroderma

La esclerodermia sistémica (ES) puede asociarse con otros trastornos del tejido conectivo, como dermatomiositis o poliomiositis, síndrome de Sjôgren, artritis reumatoide y lupus eritematoso sistémico. Con menos frecuencia se ha descrito asociación con lupus eritematoso cutáneo discoide(LECD). Cuando un mismo paciente cumple simultáneamente los criterios para dos o más enfermedades del tejido conectivo, se realiza el diagnóstico de síndrome de superposición (SS). Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 32 años, que consultó por presentar placas deprimidas hipopigmentadas en zonas fotoexpuestas de 2 años de evolución, y fenómeno de Raynaud (FR) de 1 año de evolución. Además, telangiectasias en tronco, labios y cara. En manos se observan úlceras digitales dolorosas en pulpejos de los dedos, edema, esclerodactilia y esclerosis del dorso. En laboratorio destacó ANA (1/80 con patrón moteado), perfil ENA (133 con anticuerpo anti-Ro/SS-A en 47) y biopsia de piel compatible con lupus discoide. Se diagnostica SS cutáneosistémico, con LECD y ES limitada. Se realiza una breve revisión bibliográfica de los casos publicados con esta asociación, con un total de 20 casos reportados al año 2010. Las enfermedades reumatológicas pueden manifestarse inicialmente de manera inespecífica, presentando clínica común entre ellas, como es el caso del FR. Es por esta razón que es relevante determinar un diagnóstico en forma temprana, para definir el manejo y búsqueda de complicaciones asociadas a este. Pese a esto el diagnóstico puede ir modificándose en el tiempo principalmente por la aparición de nueva sintomatología.

Systemic Scleroderma (SS) can be associated to other connective tissue disordes such as Dermatomyositis, Polymiositis, Sjogren Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Erythematosus Lupus. With less frecuency the association to Cutaneus Discoid Erithematosus Lupus (CDEL) has been described. When the same patient presents two or more criteria for a connective tissue disorder Overlap Syndrome (OS) is diagnosed. We present the case of a 32 year-old woman that consulted by presenting hypopigmented depressed plates in sun-exposed áreas for two years and Raynaud phenomenon (RPh) for one year. Also she had chest , lips and facial telangiectasia. She presented painful digital ulcers in her finger pads and edema, sclerodactyly and dorsal sclerosis. Laboratory findings showed ANA (1/80 motted pattern ) , ENA profile ( 133 with anti-Ro/SS-A in 47 ) and a cutaneous biopsy compatible with Discoid Lupus. The diagnosis was Cutaneo-Systemic OS with DCEL and limited SS. In this context we made a bibliographyc review of this published association finding a total of 20 cases in year 2010. Rheumatologic diseases can initially manifest in inespecific ways showing common clinical findings such as RPh. This is why it is relevant to make an early diagnosis in order to define treatment and search for associated complications. Despite this the diagnosis can be modified in time mostly because of the appearance of new symtoms.

Lupus eritematoso cutáneo subagudo en una paciente afroecuatoriana / Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus in an Afro-Ecuadorian patient

El lupus eritematoso cutáneo subagudo (LECS) es un subtipo de lupus eritematoso cutáneo. Sus manifestaciones clínicas más comunes son del tipo anular, el tipo psoriasiforme/papuloescamoso y una combinación de ambos. Las lesiones pueden dejar mancha postinflamatoria, pero no cicatriz; y son más comunes en zonas fotoexpuestas a excepción de cuero cabelludo y región medial de la cara. Su importancia se establece porque hasta la mitad de casos puede evolucionar a un lupus eritematoso sistémico y se lo considera como marcador de enfermedad sistémica benigna. El LECS es de presentación rara y afecta principalmente a mujeres blancas de edad media [1]. A continuación, se presenta un caso de LECS, identifcado en una mujer de etnia afroecuatoriana

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LECS) is a subtype of lupus cutaneous erythematosus. Its most common clinical manifestations are annular type, the psoriasiform / papulosquamous type and a combination from both. Injuries may leave post-inflammatory staining, but not scar; and are more common in photoexposed areas except for leather scalp and medial region of the face. Its importance is established because Up to half of cases can progress to systemic lupus erythematosus and it is considered as a marker of benign systemic disease. The LECS is rare and affects mainly white women of average age [1]. Below is a case of LECS, identified in an Afro-Ecuadorian woman

Histologic features of alopecias: part II: scarring alopecias.

The diagnosis of disorders of the hair and scalp can generally be made on clinical grounds, but clinical signs are not always diagnostic and in some cases more invasive techniques, such as a biopsy, may be necessary. This 2-part article is a detailed review of the histologic features of the main types of alopecia based on the traditional classification of these disorders into 2 major groups: scarring and nonscarring alopecias. Scarring alopecias are disorders in which the hair follicle is replaced by fibrous scar tissue, a process that leads to permanent hair loss. In nonscarring alopecias, the follicles are preserved and hair growth can resume when the cause of the problem is eliminated. In the second part of this review, we describe the histologic features of the main forms of scarring alopecia. Since a close clinical-pathological correlation is essential for making a correct histopathologic diagnosis of alopecia, we also include a brief description of the clinical features of the principal forms of this disorder.

Meningite criptocócica fatal em paciente com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico juvenil / Fatal cryptococcal meningitis in a juvenile lupus erythematosus patient

Cryptococose é uma infecção fúngica causada pelo Cryptococcus neoformans, geralmente associada com imunodeficiências e drogas imunossupressoras, e foi raramente descrita em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES), particularmente em LES juvenil (LESJ). De janeiro de 1983 a Junho de 2011, 5,604 pacientes foram seguidos em nosso Hospital Universitário e 283 (5%) casos preencheram critérios de classificação diagnóstica do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia para LESJ. Apenas um (0.35%) destes apresentou meningite criptocócica. Esta paciente teve diagnostico de lúpus aos 10 anos de idade. Aos 15 anos, ela apresentou cefaleia, náuseas e vômitos durante 5 dias, sem febre, após viagem a região de cavernas. Neste momento, ela estava em uso de prednisona 10 mg/dia, azatioprina e hidroxicloroquina. Foi realizada punção lombar e a tintura da Índia foi positiva para cryptococo, a cultura do liquido cerebroespinhal também foi positiva para Cryptococcus neoformans e a pesquisa de antígeno cryptocócico sérico foi positiva em título de 1:280. Azatioprina foi suspensa e anfotericina B liposomal (3 mg/Kg/dia) foi iniciada. No entanto, quatro dias após ela desenvolveu amaurose e coma. A tomografia computadorizada de crânio demonstrou áreas isquêmicas e nódulos sugestivos de infecção fúngica. Após quatro dias, ela desenvolveu sepse grave e vancomicina e meropenem foram iniciados, entretanto foi a óbito devido choque séptico. Portanto, meningite cryptocócica foi uma rara e grave infecção oportunista em uma população de lúpus juvenil. Este estudo reforça a importância do diagnóstico precoce e da pronta introdução de agentes antifúngicos, principalmente em pacientes com história de contato com excrementos de pássaros.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, generally associated with immunodeficiency and immunosuppressive agents, and it is rarely reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly in juvenile SLE (JSLE). From January 1983 to June 2011, 5,604 patients were followed at our University Hospital and 283 (5%) of them met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for SLE. Only one (0.35%) of our JSLE patients had cryptococcal meningitis and is described in this report. A 10-year old girl was diagnosed with JSLE. By the age of 15 years, she presented persistent headaches, nausea and vomiting for a 5 day period without fever, after a cave-exploring trip. At that moment, she was under 10 mg/day of prednisone, azathioprine and hydroxychloroquine. A lumbar puncture was performed and India ink preparation was positive for cryptococcosis, cerebrospinal fluid culture yielded Cryptococcus neoformans and serum cryptococcal antigen titer was 1:128. Azathioprine was suspended, and liposomal amphotericin B was introduced. Despite of treatment, after four days she developed amaurosis and fell into a coma. A computer tomography of the brain showed diffuse ischemic areas and nodules suggesting fungal infection. Four days later, she developed severe sepsis and vancomycin and meropenem were prescribed, nevertheless she died due to septic shock. In conclusion, cryptococcal meningitis is a rare and severe opportunistic infection in juvenile lupus population. This study reinforces the importance of an early diagnosis and prompt introduction of antifungal agents, especially in patients with history of contact with bird droppings.

Epidemiological characteristics of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease with a wide clinical spectrum and variable clinical course. Few studies have analyzed the characteristics of patients with only cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and immunological characteristics of a series of patients diagnosed with CLE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An analysis was performed of the data from all patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of CLE and seen between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2011 in a tertiary hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: One hundred- one patients were included in the study. The mean age at diagnosis was 40 years and 84% were women. Subacute forms of presentation were observed in 94% of patients. The chronic discoid forms were localized to the head and neck in 79% of cases, whereas the subacute forms were on the trunk in 97% of cases. Patients with acute forms were positive for antinuclear, anti-DNA, anti-smooth muscle, and anti-RNP (ribonucleoprotein) antibodies, whereas anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies predominated in patients with subacute forms. Seventeen patients presented more than 1 subtype of CLE. Fifteen (88%) of these patients received immunosuppressor treatment versus 44 (52%) of the other 84 patients with only 1 subtype of CLE. Patients with distinct subtypes of CLE present different clinical and immunological characteristics. Oral immunosuppressants are often needed to control the disease in a large proportion of patients with different subtypes of CLE.

Prognosis of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lesions / Prognostico de pacientes com lupus eritematoso sistemico e lesoes discoides

BACKGROUND: It has been observed that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lesions have a milder systemic disease. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical, demographic and autoantibody profile of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with and without discoid lesions. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study involving 288 systemic lupus erythematosus patients who met at least four classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology for systemic lupus erythematosus, comparing the clinical, serological and demographic factors between patients with and without discoid manifestations. RESULTS: Of the 288 patients, 13.8% had discoid lesions. Univariate analysis found no differences in the prevalence of malar rash, photosensitivity, arthritis, serositis, leukopenia, lymphopenia and hemolytic anemia or anemia of the central nervous system (p = ns). Renal lesions were more common in those without discoid lesions (p =0.016), and hemolysis (p<0.0001) was more common in those with discoid lesions. Regarding the profile of autoantibodies, only the anti-RNP antibody was more common in those with discoid events (p =0.04). In a logistic regression study, only the renal lesions and anti-RNP maintained their associations with discoid manifestations. CONCLUSION: Patients with lesions of systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lesions have lower prevalence of renal involvement and a greater presence of anti RNP. .

FUNDAMENTOS: Existe a observação de que pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e lesões discoides têm uma doença sistêmica mais branda. OBJETIVO: Comparar o perfil clínico, demográfico e de autoanticorpos de pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico com e sem lesões discoides. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 288 pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico que satisfizeram pelo menos 4 critérios classificatórios do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia para o diagnóstico de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, comparando-se os achados clínicos, sorológicos e demográficos entre pacientes com e sem manifestações discoides. RESULTADOS: Dos 288 pacientes, 13,8% tinham lesões discoides. Na análise univariada não se encontraram diferenças quanto à prevalência de eritema malar, fotossensibilidade, artrite, serosite, leucopenia, linfopenia e anemia hemolítica ou de sistema nervoso central (p=ns). Lesões renais foram mais comuns naqueles sem lesão discoide (p =0,016), e a hemólise (p<0.0001) foi mais comum nos com lesão discoide. No que se refere ao perfil de autoanticorpos apenas o anticorpo anti-RNP foi mais comum naqueles com manifestações discoides (p=0,04). Em estudo por regressão logística, só as lesões renais e o anticorpo anti-RNP mantiveram suas associações com manifestações discoides. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico com lesões discoides têm menor prevalência de envolvimento renal e uma maior presença do anticorpo anti RNP. .

Cutaneous mucinosis in mixed connective tissue disease* / Mucinose cutanea na doenca mista do tecido conjuntivo

Cutaneous mucinosis is a group of conditions involving an accumulation of mucin or glycosaminoglycan in the skin and its annexes. It is described in some connective tissue diseases but never in association with mixed connective tissue disease. This report concerns two cases of cutaneous mucinosis in patients with mixed connective tissue disease in remission; one patient presented the papular form, and the other reticular erythematous mucinosis. These are the first cases of mucinosis described in mixed connective tissue disease. Both cases had skin lesions with no other clinical or laboratorial manifestations, with clinical response to azathioprine in one, and to an association of chloroquine and prednisone in the other.

A mucinose cutânea é um grupo de condições em que há um acúmulo de mucina ou glicosaminoglicanos na pele e seus anexos. É descrita em algumas doenças do tecido conjuntivo, porem nunca em associação com doença mista do tecido conjuntivo. Relatamos dois casos de mucinose cutânea em pacientes com doença mista do tecido conjuntivo em remissão, um apresentava-se sob a forma papular e outro sob a forma reticular eritematosa de mucinose. Estes são os primeiros casos de mucinose descritos na doença mista do tecido conjuntivo. Ambos os casos apresentaram o quadro cutâneo de modo isolado, sem nenhuma outra manifestação clínico-laboratorial, havendo resposta à azatioprina em um e à cloroquina associada a prednisona no outro.

A quality-of-life study of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study of quality of life in patients with skin disorders has become more important in recent decades. In the case of lupus erythematosus, most quality-of-life studies have focused on the systemic form of the disease, with less attention being paid to the cutaneous form. The main objective of this study was to evaluate quality of life in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) using a dermatology-specific questionnaire: the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Our secondary objective was to investigate associations between DLQI scores and other aspects of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with CLE completed the DLQI questionnaire. Other factors assessed were disease severity (measured using the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index), time since diagnosis, body surface area affected, previous and current treatments, and the presence of criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). RESULTS: According to the DLQI, CLE had a moderate, very large, or extremely large effect on quality of life in 50% of the patients analyzed (18/36). No significant associations were found between DLQI scores and disease severity, time since diagnosis, body surface area affected, number, type, or duration of pharmacologic treatments, or the presence or absence of SLE criteria. CONCLUSION: CLE has a significant and lasting effect on patient quality of life. This effect is probably primarily due to multiple factors, including the chronic nature of the disease, the visibility of the lesions, and the fact that they can cause disfigurement.