Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid - DermAtlas

Contributor

Greg Hosler, MD, PhD

Diagnosis

lupus erythematosus, discoid

Body Site

scalp

Age

55 years

Pigmentation

dark

Organization

patchy

Color

red brown

Morphology

papule

Pattern

localized

Comments

This is a typical example of discoid lupus erythematosus in the context of scarring alopecia. The differential diagnosis includes the other cicatricial alopecias, such as lichen planopilaris. This biopsy shows a deeper, more intense infiltrate than typically seen with LPP, although it can be difficult to differentiate at times. In tough cases, direct immunofluorescence studies can help.

Description

The epidermis shows basilar vacuolopathy and a thickened eosinophilic basement membrane. There is also pigment incontinence in the papillary dermis.

Image Added

11/12/2007 22:37:40

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PubMed Medline Plus Medscape

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