Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the clinical, histopathologic and immunopathologic characteristics of linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Methods: The clinical, histopathologic, immunopathologic characteristics and laboratory examinations of 7 patients with linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The mean age of all cases (2 men and 5 women) was 23 years with a range from 4 to 40 years. At the onset, 2 of 7 patients were under the age of 6 years, with a mean age of 19.43 years (ranging from 3 to 37 years). One patient had lesions on the left lower extremity, and six on the face and head. All patients showed a linear lesion along the lines of Blaschko. No systemic involvement has been recognized. Six patients were diagnosed as linear discoid lupus erythematosus, another was linear lupus erythematosus profundus, according to the clinical, histopathologic and immunopathologic features. Conclusions: Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a rare variant of lupus erythematosus. No systemic involvement was documented. The clinical diagnosis of linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus may be difficult. The histopathologic and immunopathologic features are helpful to confirm the diagnosis.