Prominent Degos-like skin lesions in a patient with chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Abstract

Malignant atrophic papulosis, commonly known as Degos disease, is a rare vasculopathy encompassing both benign, cutaneous and lethal systemic variants. We report a case of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus in a 41-year-old male presenting with prominent Degos-like skin lesions. Multiple atrophic, porcelain-white, scar-like papules and plaques with dusky, erythematous borders, suggestive of malignant atrophic papulosis, were noted on the patient's back. Additional cutaneous findings included photo-distributed facial erythema and discoid lupus-like plaques on the face, shoulders, and arms. Clinicopathological correlation supported a diagnosis of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus; hydroxychloroquine was initiated with good clinical response. No new or active lesions were observed at the sixteen-month follow-up. This case highlights a rare skin finding associated with chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus and underscores the importance of ruling out primary autoimmune disease, particularly lupus, before a diagnosis of malignant atrophic papulosis can be made.

• Authors: Misha M Mutizwa, Mark B Tang, See Ket Ng
• Journal: Dermatology online journal (Dermatol Online J) Vol. 16 Issue 7 Pg. 5 (Jul 15 2010) ISSN: 1087-2108 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20673533 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antirheumatic Agents
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Aspirin

Topics

• Adult
• Antirheumatic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Aspirin (therapeutic use)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Humans
• Hydroxychloroquine (therapeutic use)
• Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid (complications, diagnosis, drug therapy, pathology)
• Male
• Malignant Atrophic Papulosis (complications, diagnosis, drug therapy, pathology)
• Treatment Outcome