Soft-tissue calcification in systemic lupus erythematosus

Calcification of soft tissues is known to occur frequently in progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and dermatomyositis. To our knowledge, only seven case reports have appeared concerning this abnormality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We describe four patients with well-documented SLE who developed calcification in subcutaneous tissue, muscle, or periarticular structures. The pattern and localization of the calcification can mimic those seen in other disorders.