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Lupus erythematosus panniculitis: a clinicopathologic study.
Patricia Pei-Lin Ng1, Suat Hoon Tan, Tulip Tan
1National Skin Centre, Singapore. patriciang@nsc.gov.sg
International Journal of Dermatology
|September 5, 2002
Summary
Lupus panniculitis in Asian patients often presents in younger individuals and may show histological, but not always clinical, signs of discoid lupus erythematosus. The condition generally follows a mild disease course.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lupus erythematosus panniculitis is a deep skin manifestation of lupus erythematosus.
- It affects the dermis and subcutaneous fat.
- Understanding its presentation in Asian populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the clinical characteristics of lupus panniculitis in Asian patients.
- To compare findings with Western populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12 histologically confirmed lupus panniculitis cases (1992-1997).
- Evaluation of patient demographics, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) history, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) signs, immunofluorescence, serology, and histology.
Main Results:
- Mean age at diagnosis was 31.3 years; 12 cases identified.
- Common sites: face (50%), upper limbs (33%), scalp (25%).
- Histological DLE evidence present in 67%, clinical in 33%; ANA positive in 3/11 (associated with SLE). Fat necrosis, lobular/paraseptal inflammation, and mucin deposition were common.
Conclusions:
- Asian patients with lupus panniculitis are diagnosed at a younger age than Western counterparts.
- Histological DLE evidence is more frequent than clinical DLE.
- The disease course is typically mild.