A rare presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus with juvenile dermatomyositis

Abstract

The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare type of autoimmune disease, which is associated with the involvement of multiple systems. It is characterized by the production of autoantibodies. Usually, it has a relapsing and remitting course. Juvenile dermatomyositis is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory muscle disease among children and adolescents with SLE. This disease predominantly involves the skin and skeletal system. Its most common symptoms include distinctive skin rashes and inflamed muscles. The insufficient disposal of apoptotic cells may result in the stimulation of T cells and B cells by the antigens in the patients with SLE. At the surface of the dying cell, fragments of cellular material develop during the cycle of cell death. We presented the case of a 15-year-old female, who complained of erythema and generalized rash present on the face, markedly present over her cheek, bridge of the nose and the forehead since 7 months. She developed erythematous, scaly and crusted lesions on the scalp, back, trunk and upper limbs along with the vesiculobullous lesion of the oral mucosa. She also developed a progressive generalized muscle weakness for the past 3 months. To a large extent, intravenous glucocorticoids are helpful, but standardization of tests and treatment schemes are required to enhance the awareness of this rare case.