Mucosal involvement in systemic and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Journal article

The prevalence and pattern of mucosal involvement in 121 patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) was investigated. Fifty-three patients had systemic LE (SLE) and 68 patients had chronic cutaneous LE (CCLE). Twenty-one per cent (11/53) of patients with SLE and 24% (16/68) of patients with CCLE had signs of mucosal involvement, but the pattern of involvement differed in the two groups. Nasal mucosal lesions were a feature in 2% (I/53) of patients with SLE and 9% (6/68) of patients with CCLE. Hyperkeratotic lichen planus-like plaques on buccal mucosa and the palate occurred in 9% (6/68) of patients with CCLE and 4% (2/53) of patients with SLE. Episcleritis occurred in 9% (5/53) of patients with SLE and not seen in CCLE. Erythematous plaques on the lower eyelids were present in 6% (4/68) of patients with CCLE and these were associated with conjunctival scarring in two patients. Vulval lesions were present in 5% (2/42) of female patients with CCLE. Oral plaques may occur when the disease is relatively quiescent elsewhere. The prevalence of mucosal involvement in lupus is underestimated as the lesions may be asymptomatic.

Authors: Burge, S; Frith, P; Juniper, R; Wojnarowska, F

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: British journal of dermatology
• Volume: 121
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 727-741
• Publication date: 1989-12-01
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1989.tb08215.x
• EISSN: 1365-2133
• ISSN: 0007-0963
• Language: English
• Keywords: Female; Middle Aged; Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid; Conjunctiva; Aged; Vulva; Mouth Mucosa; Aged, 80 and over; Nasal Mucosa; Male; Humans; Mucous Membrane; Eyelids; Adult; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic