[Two faces of Janus. Coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis in the same patient].
While both lupus erythematosus and psoriasis are inflammatory dermatoses characterized by scaly erythematous plaques, they are rarely confused in clinical practice. We report a woman who alternately presented with lupus erythematosus and psoriasis over 14 years but the former condition was not recognized and adequately treated. After the complete diagnosis had been established, a combination of thalidomide and acitretin resulted in a prolonged remission of both disorders. This unusual case demonstrates that coexistence of two diseases in one patient presents a diagnostic challenge that can only be met by repeated careful correlation of all clinical and histopathologic findings. It is of particular importance if these diseases require conflicting management strategies.
Shimanovich
I
I
Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Deutschland. shim92@hotmail.com
Merl
V
V
Zillikens
D
D
Grabbe
J
J
Rose
C
C
D017255:Acitretin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D013792:Thalidomide; D017255:Acitretin