Tumid lupus erythematosus: an unusual scleredema-like presentation

A 43-year-old white man presented with an 8-month history of redness and swelling on the back of the neck. He also noted a decrease in range of motion of his upper body. There was no improvement with a 4-week course of topical corticosteroids. Review of systems was negative for polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and bone pain. His medical history included depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and microdiscectomy. His medications included sertraline and omeprazole. Physical examination revealed a 20-cm erythematous, indurated plaque on the posterior part of the upper back and neck (Figure 1). A lack of skin wrinkling was noted with lateral pressure. Biopsy revealed a periadnexal and mild interface dermatitis with an increase in connective tissue mucin as demonstrated with colloidal iron (Figures 2A and 2B). Serum protein electrophoresis, hemoglobin A1C, and antinuclear antibody titer were within normal limits. A diagnosis of tumid lupus erythematosus mimicking scleredema was made. Hydroxychloroquine therapy was started at a dose of 200 mg and, at 2 months' follow-up, the patient's symptoms and appearance were improved.