CUTANEOUS TELANGIECTASES IN NEONATAL LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background: Persistent telangiectases are a feature of neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) but have generally been noted in areas of prior in flammatory disease. The occurrence of vascular macules and papules at sites without preceding dermatitis has not been reported in NLE. Objec tive: Our purpose was to emphasize a previously unidentified aspect of cutaneous NLE: the presence of angiomatous or matlike telangiectases in sites without antecedent or concurrent dermatitis. Methods: We desc ribe seven patients in which telangiectatic macules or angiomatous pap ules were primary or early features of NLE. Results: Five infants lack ed a history of preceding or concurrent inflammatory lesions at sites of telangiectasia development. In four infants findings included vulva r or inguinal angiomatous papules. Conclusion: Telangiectases may be a presenting feature of NLE, can be found in sun-protected sites, and m ay occur independent of ''lupus dermatitis.''