An unusual ocular manifestation of discoid lupus erythematosus

Ocular Complications in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis of Reported Cases

Ocular complications associated with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) are less studied compared with those ones associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The main ocular sites involved in patients affected by discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) are eyelids followed by orbit and periorbit, the least being cornea. The most common complications are blepharitis usually affecting the lower lid and associated with some type of lid lesion such as plaque or erythematosus patches and madarosis. Few cases with LE profundus (LEP) and ocular complications are reported, but they are associated with orbital inflammatory syndrome and severe complications. The main treatment prescribed is hydroxychloroquine with a dose of 200 mg twice a day for 6 to 8 weeks. Corticosteroids are also used. Intervals between the correct diagnosis and the beginning of the ocular symptoms are commonly delayed. Ophthalmologist should be aware of the ocular manifestation of this autoimmune disease.

Blépharites du lupus érythémateux chronique

BACKGROUND

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic skin disease frequently involving the face, scalp and ears. Palpebral lesions are rare. We report 4 cases of this uncommon localization. In one case, palpebral lesions were the sole manifestation of the discoid lupus erythematosus.

CASE REPORTS

Four patients aged between 26 and 45 Years had lesions of the lower eyelid as erythematous, infiltrated and scaly plaques. One patient, without diagnosis despite 2 skin biopsies of lesion, presented with a 2-Year history of blepharitis in the absence of any other cutaneous abnormality. In one case, chronic blepharitis has been present for 4 Years and associated with inflammatory arthralgia. Alopecia occurred 4 Years after the onset of blepharitis and led to the diagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus. In 2 cases, blepharitis was associated with typical cutaneous lesions of discoid lupus erythematosus. Antimalaria drugs were very effective in 3 cases. In one patient the antimalaria drug failed, but thalidomide was effective.

DISCUSSION

The location of lesions on the eyelids in the absence of any other cutaneous abnormality is rare and can easily lead to the misdiagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus. Most Authors mention a predilection of the lesions to the inferior portion of the eyelid, more specifically to the external third. The involvement of the eyelids with permanent scarring and severe eye impairment is explained by the long duration of the disease without diagnostic and appropriate treatment. Clinical examination is highly consistent with discoid lupus erythematosus: the lesions typically present as well-circumscribed, erythematous plaques with telangiectasia and scales and atrophy in long-standing disease. Antimalaria drugs are remarkably effective.

Mucous membrane pemphigoid and pseudopemphigoid

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) and pseudopemphigoid.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred eighty consecutive patients referred for the evaluation of possible ocular MMP from January 1, 1985, to December 31, 2001.

METHODS

Information on patients presenting for evaluation of possible MMP was entered prospectively into a database, which was supplemented by a retrospective chart review. Mucous membrane pemphigoid was diagnosed in patients with a compatible clinical picture by the linear deposition of antibodies to the basement membrane zone (BMZ) on direct immunofluorescent analysis of a mucous membrane biopsy specimen or by the presence of circulating autoantibodies to epithelial BMZ.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographic and clinical characteristics of MMP and pseudopemphigoid; risk of ocular MMP among patients presenting with extraocular MMP without ocular disease.

RESULTS

Among patients with ocular MMP, extraocular disease was common (82.4% of patients). The risk of ocular involvement among patients with MMP seen without ocular disease was approximately 5% per year over the first 5 years of follow-up (cumulative risk at 5 years, 22%). Although immunohistologic confirmation of the diagnosis was obtained in all patients, the initial conjunctival biopsy was positive for MMP in 80% of the patients diagnosed with ocular MMP. The most frequent presumed causes of pseudopemphigoid were topical glaucoma medications (28.3%), rosacea blepharoconjunctivitis (20.0%), atopic keratoconjunctivitis (8.3%), and conjunctival lichen planus (8.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ocular MMP typically have other systemic manifestations of MMP. Patients who are initially seen with extraocular MMP without ocular involvement are at risk for ocular disease developing. The clinical characteristics of ocular MMP and pseudopemphigoid are similar; therefore, immunohistologic evaluation of biopsied tissue is needed to confirm the diagnosis of MMP.

Neurologic, ophthalmic, and neuropsychiatric manifestations of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune, multisystem disorder with diverse manifestations. There are limited reports on the neuro-ophthalmic and neuropsychiatric findings in childhood SLE.

CASE REPORT

An 8-year-old patient with suspected SLE with a history of skin rash, joint pain, transient hematologic abnormality, headaches, seizures, and psychosis, presented with papilledema secondary to acquired, obstructive hydrocephalus.

DISCUSSION

SLE-related ocular and neuropsychiatric findings are reviewed. Proposed mechanisms for ocular and cerebral lupus include immune complex deposition, vascular thrombosis, and postinflammatory lesions.

CONCLUSION

The prevalent neurologic and neuropsychiatric complications of pediatric SLE require close follow-up and interdisciplinary management.