Nitrendipine-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus

A 66-year-old man presented with widespread annular and bullous subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), developed after starting treatment for hypertension with the calcium channel blocker nitrendipine. A few days after withdrawal of the drug, while cutaneous manifestations were improving, left hemiparesis occurred. Laboratory investigations showed, in addition to anti-Ro, anti-La and anti-histone antibodies, the presence of lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, prolonged APTT and thrombocytopenia. On the basis of the spontaneous regression of the patient's skin lesions after discontinuation of the drug, a possible relationship between nitrendipine intake, the clinical events and the biological findings is discussed.