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Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) associated with discoid lupus erythematosus
1Department of Dermatology, Yokohoma City University School of Medicine, Japan.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study explored patients with systemic sclerosis (SS) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), finding common clinical and laboratory features. The overlap of these systemic and cutaneous collagen diseases suggests they may occur more frequently than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Investigating the co-occurrence of systemic sclerosis (SS) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE).
- Understanding the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with both SS and DLE.
- Determining if this specific overlap of systemic and cutaneous collagen diseases is rare.
Observation:
- Six patients with both SS and DLE were analyzed.
- In all cases, DLE preceded the onset of SS.
- Patients presented with either diffuse or limited scleroderma, with varying organ involvement (lungs, esophagus).
Findings:
- DLE manifestations included scalp alopecia in four patients and facial/extremity involvement in two.
- Autoantibody profiles varied, with anti-topoisomerase-I, anti-RNP, and anti-centromere antibodies detected.
- None of the patients met the criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Implications:
- The findings suggest that the overlap between SS and DLE, without concurrent SLE, is a recognizable clinical entity.
- This specific systemic-cutaneous collagen disease overlap may be more common than previously assumed.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis and clinical significance of this SS-DLE association.