Widespread vesiculobullous eruption in a 16-year-old male.
Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare but distinct disease, characterized by vesiculobullous skin eruptions and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It can arise either before or after a diagnosis of SLE has been established. BSLE is characterized by a dermatitis herpetiformis-like histology and an autoimmunity to type VII collagen. It must be differentiated from other autoimmune vesiculobullous diseases such as epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, dermatitis herpetiformis, linear IgA disease, and bullous pemphigoid. A combination of clinical, histological, and immunofluorescence findings are necessary to establish a diagnosis of BSLE. We present a case of BSLE to illustrate and emphasize the need for an integrative diagnostic approach.
Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia. joze.pizem@mf.uni-lj.si.
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J
Pižem
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Vizjak
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Tomšič
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B
Luzar
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D012872:Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones