A Case of Linear Lupus Erythematosus Tumidus

Hwang, Seon Wook; Kim, Sang Hyun; Oh, Doo Jin; Lee, Deborah; Kim, Jung Wook; Park, Sung Wook

Abstract

Lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) is a variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE). Clinically, the lesions show erythematous, succulent, urticaria-like, nonscarring papules and plaques with a smooth surface, and are usually related to sun exposure. This condition resembles polymorphous light eruption, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and reticular erythematosus mucinosis. Histopathological findings of the lesion showed perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic cell infiltration with interstitial mucin deposition, but there is little or no epidermal or dermo-epidermal involvement. Only a few cases of LET have been described in the literature because no definitive clinical and histopathologic diagnostic criteria for LET have been accepted. Linear cutaneous lupus erythematous is an unusual presentation of CCLE. Moreover linear LET is extremely rare. Therefore we present herein a case of unilateral linear lupus erythematosus tumidus on left upper extremity in a 37-year-old Korean woman.