Lupus erythematosus profundus L93.2

Rare special form of lupus erythematosus integumentalis (about 2-3% of the cases) with painful, inflammatory reddened nodes reaching into the subcutis without significant epidermal involvement. Healing with formation of retracted scars. Combinations with lupus erythematosus chronicus discoides (about 30% of cases) or, less frequently, with systemic lupus erythematosus are possible.

Remark: The clinical picture is probably identical with the"Lymphocytic infiltration of the skin" described by Jessner and Kanof.

Occurs several years before a manifest lupus erythematosus. Predominantly occurring in adults between the ages of 20 and 60; women are affected 2-4 times more frequently than men.

Mostly face, buttocks, thighs.

Usually several, often symmetrically localized, firm, sharply defined, mostly asymptomatic, subcutaneous nodules or plaques. The overlying skin is discreetly red or brown-red and may be slightly to clearly indented. Epidermal involvement is usually absent.

Occasionally slight atrophy with delicate scaling.

Healing occurs with dents of varying depth. The disease tends to be chronic in relapses. The overlying epidermis occasionally shows pigmentary shifts.

Malignant lymphomas (esp. subcutaneous panniculitis-like cutaneous T-cell lymphoma): Histologic exclusion

Panniculitis: Exclusion by histologic or serologic phenomena of lupus erythematosus.

Acne conglobata: Exclusion by absence of typical acne phenomena (seborrhea, comedones, acne history)

Syphilitic gums (very rare today; see below syphilis acquisita): exclusion by negative syphilis serology.

Local glucocorticoids under occlusion; in case of localized process also intralesional application of triamcinolone, if necessary. In addition, continuous therapy with antimalarials ( chloroquine) in a dosage of 1-2 times/day 200 mg p.o. Good long-term effects with cyclophosphamide have been reported. There are some positive reports about the use of Infliximab.

Systemic lupus erythematosus develops in about 30-35% of patients.

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3. Günther C et al (2011) Infliximab treatment of a patient with lupus erythematosus profundus. Abstract CD 46th DDG meeting: P16/13
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9. Wimmershoff MB et al (2003) Discoid lupus erythematosus and lupus profundus in childhood: a report of two cases. Pediatric dermatol 20: 140-145