[Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus based on a study of 15 cases]

15 cases of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus are reported. The diagnosis was based on the presence of the typical clinical features, on the histologic and immunpathologic examination of lesional skin and on the characteristic laboratory findings. 8 patients had annular type, 4 patients had papulosquamosus type of the characteristic skin signs of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. In 3 patients both types of lesions existed simultaneously. 5 patients fulfilled the American Rheumatism Association criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus, however the systemic symptoms (arthritis, arthralgia, fever, myalgia, photosensitivity) were mild. 4 patients had positive ANA test, anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were determined in 5 patients, anti-RNP antibodies were detected in 8 patients. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were not detected. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is an intermediate subset in severity between discoid lupus erythematosus and severe systemic lupus erythematosus, therefore a milder form of therapy should be chosen.