Histopathological Granuloma Formation in a Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Patient

Main Article Content

Nattanicha Chaisrimaneepan

Keywords

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, SCLE, Granuloma formation, CD123, cutaneous lupus, granulomatosis

Abstract

Introduction: Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is one of the cutaneous lupus erythematous subtypes. Being an autoimmune condition in nature, its diagnosis requires compatible clinical presentation with histopathological findings.


Objective: To present a subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus with granuloma formation.


Case Report: A 56- year-old woman presented with longstanding red plaques on her face, trunk, and extremities. Two skin biopsies were performed during two different visits. The results showed tuberculoid leprosy and multiple granuloma annulare. She was treated accordingly for years with no improvement in her condition. Later, the third skin biopsy with CD123 immunohistochemical stain was done. The result was most consistent with cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Together with her clinical findings, she was finally diagnosed with SCLE. Her rashes resolved after being treated with hydroxychloroquine and topical steroid.


Conclusion: The diagnosis of SCLE must be made based on both clinical presentations and histopathological findings.

References

1. Ribero S, Sciascia S, Borradori L, Lipsker D. The Cutaneous Spectrum of Lupus Erythematosus. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2017;53(3):291-305.

2. Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mainetti C, Peeters MA, Laffitte E. Cutaneous Granulomatosis: a Comprehensive Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2018;54(1):131-146.

3. Chen SJT, Tse JY, Harms PW, Hristov AC, Chan MP. Utility of CD123 immunohistochemistry in differentiating lupus erythematosus from cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Histopathology. 2019;74(6):908-916.

4. Shrestha D, Dhakal AK, Shiva RK, Shakya A, Shah SC, Shakya H. Systemic lupus erythematosus and granulomatous lymphadenopathy. BMC Pediatr. 2013;13:179.

5. Bharti A, Meena LP. Systemic lupus erythematosus with hepatosplenic granuloma: a rare case. Case Reports Immunol.

6. Stavropoulos PG, Goules AV, Avgerinou G, Katsambas AD. Pathogenesis of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2008;22(11):1281-1289.

7. Okon LG, Werth VP. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: diagnosis and treatment. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2013;27(3):391-404.

8. Grönhagen CM, Nyberg F. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: An update. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2014;5(1):7-13.

9. Callen JP. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: a personal approach to management. Australas J Dermatol. 2006;47(1):13-27.
Walling HW, Sontheimer RD. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: issues in diagnosis and treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2009;10(6):365-381.

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.