Annular erythema: a possible association with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract

In four patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome a distinct annular erythema developed, which was characterized by a wide, elevated border (which can be likened to a doughnut ring) and central pallor. Histologically, there was a coat sleeve-like infiltration of lymphocytes around blood vessels and nuclear debris in the connective tissue. Vasculitis or epidermal changes suggestive of lupus erythematosus were not observed, and there was no immunoglobulin deposition along the basement membrane zone. This annular erythema may be a cutaneous manifestation of Sjögren's syndrome.