Discoid lupus erythematosus and monoclonal gammopathy

Of twelve patients with discoid lupus erythematosus and dysgammaglobulinaemia, eight had a monoclonal gammopathy with a benign course to date, two had 'smouldering' myeloma, and two developed overt multiple myeloma. Six patients had generalized discoid lupus erythematosus, and six had skin lesions localized to the head and neck. Further screening of patients with discoid lupus erythematosus by serum protein electrophoresis is indicated to determine the significance of these findings.