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Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus in vitiligo
Hillary Johnson1, Nicole M Bossenbroek, Karla Rosenman
1Department of Dermatology, New York University, USA.
Dermatology Online Journal
|December 9, 2008
Summary
This study reports a rare case of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus localized to vitiligo patches in a 49-year-old woman. Treatment with hydroxychloroquine and topical steroids improved symptoms, highlighting a potential autoimmune link.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Background:
- Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) typically presents with photosensitive skin lesions.
- Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition causing depigmentation of the skin.
- The co-occurrence of CCLE and vitiligo is uncommon.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old woman presented with a 7-year history of itchy, red, scaling plaques on sun-exposed skin.
- Lesions were exclusively located on pre-existing depigmented patches consistent with vitiligo.
Findings:
- Histopathology revealed changes of CCLE with lichenoid features and contiguous vitiligo.
- Clinicopathologic correlation confirmed CCLE localized to vitiligo areas, suggesting an autoimmune diathesis.
- Treatment with hydroxychloroquine and topical glucocorticoids led to symptom improvement.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential association between CCLE and vitiligo, possibly indicating a broader autoimmune susceptibility.
- Effective management involves pharmacotherapy and vigilant monitoring for potential complications.
- Long-term surveillance for squamous-cell carcinoma in chronically inflamed, sun-exposed areas is crucial.
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