Journal List > J Rheum Dis > v.18(2) > 1063898

Park, Kim, Park, Li, Seo, and Hong: A Case of Lupus Panniculitis-Misdiagnosed as Alopecia Areata

Abstract

We present a 24-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with multiple patches of non-scar-ring alopecia closely resembling alopecia areata. Scalp biopsy showed a predominantly subcutaneous and dermal lymphocytic infiltrate that surrounded the deep follicular segments and hair bulb. This pattern is capable of producing a temporary hair loss, clinically misdiagnosed as alopecia areata. The clinical history, presence of erythema on bald patches and scalp tenderness as well as the biopsy findings were important clues in diagnosis of lupus erythematosus. We report here a case of lupus panniculitis that presented as multiple bald patches misdiagnosed as alopecia areata.

References

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Figure 1.
Multiple, erythematous confluent bald patches on the occipital area.
jrd-18-129f1.tif
Figure 2.
Patch were associated faint erythema but there was no evidence of scarring and the follicular orifices appeared intact.
jrd-18-129f2.tif
Figure 3.
(A) Perivascular and periappendageal patchy lymphocytic infiltration in the dermis (H&E, ×100). (B) Hyalinization of fat lobules & fat necrosis, lobular infiltration of inflammatory cells and the thickening of septa in subcutaneous tissue (H&E, ×100).
jrd-18-129f3.tif
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