Tumid Lupus Erythematosus and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Report on Their Rare Coexistence
April 2020
in “
Cureus
”
tumid lupus erythematosus systemic lupus erythematosus cutaneous lupus erythematosus discoid lupus antinuclear antibodies ANA photosensitivity oral ulcers joint pain erythrocyte sedimentation rate anticardiolipin antibodies anti-beta-2 glycoprotein antibodies skin biopsy hydroxychloroquine photoprotection topical treatments oral antimalarial therapy TLE SLE ESR Plaquenil
TLDR A woman with both TLE and SLE improved with hydroxychloroquine treatment.
Tumid lupus erythematosus (TLE) is a rare form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, often lacking typical discoid lupus changes and showing elevated antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in only 10% of cases. The coexistence of TLE with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is rare, with few documented cases. This report detailed a 48-year-old Caucasian female with chronic facial rash, photosensitivity, intermittent oral ulcers, joint pain, and unintentional weight loss. Laboratory findings included positive ANA at 1:640, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and positive anticardiolipin and anti-beta-2 glycoprotein antibodies. A skin biopsy confirmed TLE. The patient was diagnosed with both TLE and SLE and showed improvement with hydroxychloroquine treatment. TLE typically responds to photoprotection, topical treatments, or oral antimalarial therapy.
