Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus associated with hepatocellular carcinoma

A 63-year-old man with a 4-year history of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to chronic hepatitis B developed a rash affecting his arms, legs, thorax and back. Both clinical and histological examination suggested a diagnosis of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). The association of SCLE and hepatocellular carcinoma has not previously been reported. The SCLE persisted without remission and was still present at his death from metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma 3 months later. We also review other reported cases of SCLE as paraneoplastic dermatoses and apply McLean's criteria for paraneoplastic dermatosis.