Discoid Lupus Erythematous with Systemic Manifestation: Case Report

Abstract

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with multisystem involvement with a varying spectrum of symptoms in between localized multiple dermatological manifestations cutaneous LE (CLE)  on one end of the spectrum and severe systemic LE (SLE) on the other end. Aetiology is multifactorial and polygenic. Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, it is disfiguring skin disease with a significant impact on the patient’s everyday life. DLE patients display well-defined skin lesions, often in sun-exposed areas. The disease often has a chronic and relapsing course. It is important to confirm a CLE diagnosis with a histopathological examination by biopsy sample. (1) Classic DLE lesions begin as red-purple macules, papules or small plaques and rapidly develop a hyperkeratotic surface. Most patients with untreated classic DLE lesions suffer indolent progression to large areas of cutaneous dystrophy and scarring alopecia that can be psychosocially devastating. (2)
Here, in this case, the presentation began with skin manifestation with progression towards systemic involvement patient was later labelled as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus