Systemic lupus erythematosus, following prodromal idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, presenting with skin lesions resembling malignant atrophic papulosis

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. Its incidence in the UK is approximately 1 per 10000. Cutaneous involvement, encompassing acute, subacute and chronic disease, occurs in over two-thirds of cases, and can often be the first clue to diagnosis. We describe a highly unusual case of SLE occurring after prodromal idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and presenting with skin lesions more typical of malignant atrophic papulosis, a rare and often fatal vasculopathy. Such a combination of rare features emphasizes the potential for complexity in this multisystem disease.