Acebutolol-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Beta-blocking medications are rarely associated with drug-induced lupus erythematosus syndrome and have never been incriminated as a cause of subacute lupus erythematosus (SCLE). We present herein the first case of SCLE induced by acebutolol. A 57-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of a cutaneous eruption of the photo-exposed areas. One month ago, the patient had started a treatment with oral acebutolol to cure a hypertension of 1-year evolution. Physical examination revealed erythematous scaly annular plaques, involving the face, arms and trunk. Immunologic serology findings revealed a positive titer of antinuclear antibodies up to 1/1,280 with positivity of antihistone and Ro/SSA antibodies. Acebutolol was stopped, and the lesions cleared completely 4 months later. Literature data, along with our case, suggest a link between acebutolol therapy and the onset of a lupus syndrome. Although this is the first report of acebutolol-induced SCLE, we should be aware of this occurrence, and avoidance of acebutolol is recommended in patients with stigmata of lupus erythematosus.