Lupus Erythematosus Tumidus

Abstract

Lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET), first reported by Gougerot and Burnier¹ in 1930, is a highly photosensitive skin disorder with distinct clinical and histopathologic characteristics. Most experts nowadays agree that LET is a distinct subtype of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Lupus erythematosus tumidus is typically found on sun-exposed areas of the body and presents as edematous, urticarialike papules and plaques with a tendency to produce annular formations. In contrast to discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) or subacute CLE (SCLE), LET does not resolve with residual scarring and hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Histopathologic characteristics of LET include perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic infiltrates as well as interstitial mucin deposition. In contrast to DLE or SCLE, LET shows no or only slight vacuolar degeneration of the dermoepidermal junction.