ACUTE DISSEMINATED LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Abstract

Acute disseminated lupus erythematosus may be defined as an exanthematous acute disease that is characterized by the development of an erysipelas-like facial erythema and profound constitutional symptoms. In its course signs appear that have enough similarity to those of discoid lupus erythematosus to relate the syndrome definitely to the latter condition. HISTORY The disease was first described by Kaposi¹ in 1872. He observed a series of patients who had fever and severe toxic symptoms associated with cutaneous lesions that resembled those of erysipelas, and accordingly called the disease erysipelas perstans faceii. After prolonged observation he discovered that in some cases signs of chronic lupus erythematosus developed, and also that the reverse was true. He therefore definitely established the relationship of the two rather diverse dermatoses. In the next twenty-five years many keen observers reported cases that confirmed Kaposi's observations. Prominent among these were Hardaway,² Hallopeau,