J Korean Rheum Assoc.  2006 Jun;13(2):107-115.

Lupus Panniculitis: Clinico-histopathological Analysis of a Case Series

• Kim JW
• Kim J

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.

Keyword

Systemic lupus erythematosus; Lupus panniculitis

MeSH Terms

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
Antibodies, Antinuclear
Dapsone
Mucins
Triamcinolone