ACUTE DISSEMINATED LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS—A SYSTEMIC DISEASE

Abstract

Acute disseminated lupus erythematosus is a systemic disease of unknown cause, with extensive and polymorphic cutaneous and visceral lesions apparently due to wide-spread vascular damage. It occurs chiefly in young or middle aged white [female][female], many of the subjects being abnormally light-sensitive. The prognosis is grave. The clinical picture, while variable, is nevertheless marked by certain prominent features which, in the presence of the skin lesions, should in most cases lead to a correct diagnosis. The occurrence of leukopenia and certain lesions of the renal glomeruli appear to be strikingly constant. The disease is of importance to the internist and the general practitioner as well as to the dermatologist. By its early recognition and the avoidance of certain dangerous procedures, especially exposure to sun and u.-v. light, serious or even fatal exacerbations may at times be prevented.