Multiple dermatofibromas in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome

Multiple dermatofibromas (DFs) are rare and have been thought to be associated with altered immunity. In this report, we describe a 27-year-old Japanese woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome in whom eight nodules appeared over a period of 4 years. Histopathological findings were consistent with DF. SLE rather than Sjögren's syndrome seemed to have induced the multiple DFs in this patient. We also reviewed the reported cases with multiple DFs associated with SLE and/or Sjögren's syndrome. Review of the previous reports indicates that SLE is the most frequent autoimmune disorder associated with multiple DFs, and that both SLE and immunosuppressive treatments play a part in induction of multiple DFs. Therefore, if multiple DFs are present it is important that the status of the patient be evaluated from the standpoint of autoimmune diseases, particularly SLE, or immunosuppression.