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Case Reports
. 2024 Apr 27;16(4):e59140.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.59140. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Lupus Erythematosus Tumidus as a Distinct Uncommon Subtype of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report and Review

Charles Camisa Sr  1 , Veronica Papavero  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Lupus Erythematosus Tumidus as a Distinct Uncommon Subtype of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report and Review

Charles Camisa Sr et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) is an uncommon but distinct photosensitive subtype of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). It differs from discoid and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) clinically and pathologically. LET is marked by extreme photosensitivity and carries a much lower risk of progression to systemic disease. The differential diagnosis of LET includes polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) and Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (JLIS) because of subtle alterations in the histopathology and the paucity of immunopathologic markers in LET. We report herein a case of LET with positive immunoglobulin (Ig) deposits on direct immunofluorescence (DIF) testing. LET resolved completely with strict sun avoidance and treatment with topical corticosteroids, without the sequelae of atrophy, scarring, or dyspigmentation.

Keywords: chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus; discoid lupus erythematosus (dle); hydroxychloroquine treatment; immunohistochemical markers; lupus erythematosus tumidus; lymphocytic infiltration of the skin; photosensitivity disorders; polymorphic light eruption; subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus; systemic lupus erythematosus.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Tumid lupus erythematosus, H&E, original magnification: 5×
The bluish hue in the dermis is suggestive of mucin deposition. Lymphocytic infiltrates are prominent. The epidermis appears to be normal H&E: hematoxylin and eosin
Figure 2
Figure 2. Tumid lupus erythematosus, colloidal iron, original magnification: 5×
The blue color between collagen bundles confirms the presence of pools of mucin extending from the papillary dermis to the deep reticular dermis
Figure 3
Figure 3. Tumid lupus erythematosus, direct immunofluorescence, IgG, original magnification: 40×
DIF demonstrates a linear-granular band of immunoglobulin along the dermo-epidermal junction IgG: immunoglobulin G
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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