Papulonodular Mucinosis Associated With Subacute Lupus

Papulonodular mucinosis is a rare but well-documented finding associated with systemic and cutaneous forms of lupus erythematosus (LE). It occurs exceptionally in association with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). Its etiology and pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. Herein, we report a case of papulonodular mucinosis associated with SCLE in a middle-aged woman. On physical examination, she presented with multiple flesh-coloured asymptomatic papules and nodules on the trunk and upper extremities. A biopsy specimen taken from a nodule showed mucin within the dermis with hypodermis and perivascular lymphocytic inflammation. Considering that the proportion of patients with cutaneous lupus mucinosis who progress to systemic lupus is uncertain, we suggest following these patients closely for evidence of multisystem disease.