Oral Findings of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus- A Grand Round Case

Abstract

A case of an SLE patient with an erythematous plaque at hard palate surrounded by white striae and a chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosous (CCLE) history is being reported. Other authors’ findings are being critically discussed and we focus on the following: i. Need of oral lesions histopathologic examination in SLE patients as they contribute to diagnosis establishment. ii. Oral ulcers do not certainly constitute neither the unique nor the main oral lesion in SLE since apart from them are reported red and white plaques, red macules, lechinoid reactions as well as periodontal manifestations (marginal or/and desquamative gingivitis). iii. Biopsy is crucial for excluding oral squamous cell carcinoma, especially in oral ulcers. iv. In the case of SLE xerostomia minor salivary glands biopsy contributes to secondary Sjogren syndrome diagnosis. v. Contribution of oral manifestations in early SLE diagnosis, leads to effective treatment and prevention of serious systemic malfunctions, potentially lethal.