Erythema multiforme-like skin lesions in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

We describe here a 17-year-old girl with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus presenting two episodes of erythema multiforme-like eruptions. A biopsy specimen showed superficial lymphocytic perivascular infiltrate, vacuolar alterations of the basal cells, and individual necrotic keratinocytes, which was consistent with erythema multiforme. These findings are most compatible with a diagnosis of Rowell syndrome. We also discuss the diagnostic difficulties in lupus patients developing bullous skin lesions