Systemic lupus erythematosus-associated neutrophilic dermatosis: a review and update

Neutrophilic dermatoses are a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In recent years, a growing body of literature describes a pathologic spectrum of neutrophilic infiltrates that may be seen in lupus patients. It is particularly important to recognize that neutrophilic dermatoses can be the initial manifestation of SLE in a third of patients. We were able to identify 47 patients with SLE associated with neutrophilic tissue reactions. In this review, we describe the histologic and clinical features of these cases in the hope that increased awareness of this unusual manifestation of SLE will generate prompt diagnosis and improved patient care.