Pierre Cazenave and the first detailed modern description of lupus erythematosus.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an English translation of the first detailed description of lupus erythematosus along with a reproduction of the first color illustration of the disorder, as well as an interpretive analysis.


METHODS
Review of primary and secondary historical sources.


RESULTS
Although lupus as we know it was first mentioned in medieval times, the first, extensive, accurate classification and description of the condition represented an evolution of Pierre Cazenave's thinking over his 60-year professional career.


CONCLUSIONS
Given his complete lack of effective diagnostic tools, Dr. Cazenave demonstrated tremendous intuitive powers of deduction in shaping our understanding of the disorder.
Wallace
D J
DJ
Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai/UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Lyon
I
I
D005602:France; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy; D008488:Medical Illustration / Q000266:history