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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
05:44
Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: June 10, 2025
Digital gangrene in systemic lupus erythematosus
Yayoi Nagai1, Akira Shimizu, Mariko Suto
1Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine 3-39-22 Showa-Machi Maebashishi Gunma 371-8511, Japan. yanagai@showa.gunma-u.ac.jp
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|August 19, 2009
Summary
Digital gangrene is rare in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study describes three SLE patients with digital gangrene, suggesting potential unidentified causes beyond typical thrombosis or vasculitis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Digital ulcers and gangrene are common in connective tissue diseases like systemic sclerosis.
- These manifestations are relatively rare in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Observation:
- Three patients with digital gangrene and SLE were described.
- None presented with high SLE disease activity at the time of gangrene onset.
- Vascular imaging revealed narrowing or occlusion of digital arteries, and often radial/ulnar arteries.
Findings:
- Two patients tested positive for anti-RNP antibodies without other connective tissue disease symptoms.
- One patient had anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex antibodies.
- Another patient showed anti-cardiolipin beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies and low-titer lupus anticoagulant.
Implications:
- The findings suggest potential unidentified causes of digital gangrene in SLE.
- While anti-phospholipid syndrome is considered, other mechanisms may be involved.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of digital gangrene in SLE.
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