Lupus Tumidus: underreported variant of lupus erythematosus (a case report and review of the literature)

Abstract

Introduction: Lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) is an underreported variant of lupus erythematosus (LE) that is characterized by soft urticarial-like elements usually located on the sun exposed skin. LET is featured with high photosensitivity. Lesions of LET resolve without scarring and do not cause disfigurement as seen in the discoid LE variants. Lesions of LET may co-exist with other variants of LE: discoid or systemic. Main observations: The case presents a female patient with LET localized on the lateral infraorbital areas of her face and cheeks. Histopathological evaluation showed a lymphocytic infiltrate in the middle and deeper parts of the dermis. This article also presents a contemporary review of the clinical variants of LET, histopathological features and approaches to the treatment of LET. Conclusions: LET should be considered in urticarial-like lesions on the skin of the face and other skin exposed areas. Histopathological examination is needed to make a definitive diagnosis of the condition and helps in cases when the clinical presentation is subtle or nonspecific.