Discoid lupus erythematosus masquerading as chronic blepharoconjunctivitis.
OBJECTIVE
To recognize discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) as a treatable cause of chronic blepharoconjunctivitis.


METHODS
Retrospective observational case series.


METHODS
Records of 5 patients with biopsy-proven DLE were reviewed.


METHODS
Clinical and pathology records were examined.


METHODS
Patients' clinical and histopathological characteristics and response to treatment were assessed.


RESULTS
Clinical features included meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, chalazia, trichiasis, madarosis, conjunctivitis, chronic eyelid edema, and eyelid plaques. Histopathology showed hyperkeratotic epithelium, degeneration of the basal cell layer, and a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. There was delayed diagnosis in all cases, ranging from 4 months to 25 years. All of the patients responded to systemic hydroxychloroquine therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Heightened awareness of eyelid DLE may lead to earlier detection and specific therapy for this chronic disorder.
Acharya
Nisha
N
Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Pineda
Roberto
R
Uy
Harvey S
HS
Foster
C Stephen
CS
D000328:Adult; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001762:Blepharitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008179:Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine