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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: June 10, 2025
Histologic features of cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Mehmet Baltaci1, Peter Fritsch
1Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. mehmet.baltaci@i-med.ac.at
Abstract:
Histologic examination of lesions plays a key role in the diagnostics of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE). LE has a broad spectrum of histopathological signs, which are related to the stages of the lesions. In addition to the main subtypes of LE, we report on special manifestations like Rowell's-syndrome and Chilblain LE, and give an account of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis), which may be associated with systemic LE. Furthermore the most considerable histopathologic differential diagnoses are discussed.
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