Persistent Facial Oedema and Erythema in a Woman, An Uncommon Manifestation of Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Authors

• Mónica García-Arpa Department of Dermatology, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
• María Rodríguez-Vázquez Department of Dermatology, Hospital General Universitario de Albacte, Albacete, Spain
• David Bellido-Pastrana Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
• Natalia Villasanti-Rivas Department of Pathology, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
• Marcos Carmona-Rodríguez Department of Dermatology, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain

mgarciaa73@yahoo.es

Keywords

Abstract

Manifestations of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus are variable. Periorbital and facial swelling occurs in dermatomyositis and systemic lupus, but it has been rarely reported as a manifestation of exclusively cutaneous lupus. A 48-year-old woman presented with a 16-year history of asymptomatic, bilateral swelling and erythema of her face with marked worsening after sun exposure. No systemic symptoms were associated. A complete evaluation did not reveal other findings. Cutaneous biopsy showed features of lupus erythematosus. She was treated with photoprotection, topical tacrolimus, hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine with a partial response. Facial swelling with erythema represents quite an unusual manifestation of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Dermatomyositis, systemic lupus and Morbihan disease are the main differential diagnoses.