Korean J Dermatol.  2011 Nov;49(11):1021-1024.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus in a Patient with Systemic Sclerosis

• Park JM
• Jwa SW
• Song M
• Kim HS
• Ko HC
• Kim MB
• Kim BS

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis is often associated with other autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis, primary Sjogren syndrome, dermatomyositis and autoimmune hepatitis, as the so-called scleroderma overlap syndrome. However, coexistence of scleroderma and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is extremely rare. Association of scleroderma and DLE has not been described definitely, but it is suggested that various factors such as genetic factor, sex hormone, environmental factor, immunologic factor, viral infection and HLA typing may contribute. A 40-year-old woman presented with an 18-year history of Raynaud's phenomenon and generalized hypopigmented sclerotic patches over the entire body. Skin biopsy and other examinations showed characteristics of scleroderma. The diagnosis was diffuse systemic sclerosis. During treatment, erythematous and erosive patches and plaques on face and arms appeared. The clinical features, histopathologic presentation, and laboratory findings were consistent with DLE.

Keyword

Discoid lupus erythematosus; Scleroderma overlap syndrome; Systemic sclerosis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Arm
Autoimmune Diseases
Biopsy
Dermatomyositis
Female
Hepatitis, Autoimmune
Histocompatibility Testing
Humans
Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid
Scleroderma, Diffuse
Scleroderma, Systemic
Sex Factors
Sjogren's Syndrome
Skin
Thyroiditis, Autoimmune