KAPOSI-IRGANG LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS PROFUND US LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS PANNICULITIS

Lupus panniculitis is a rare variant of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Two typical cases demonstrate the association of lupus panniculitis w ith signs of discoid lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythemato sus. Clinically it is characterised by subcutaneous nodules or plaques , which may ulcerate leaving depressed atrophic scars. Histologically the lesions show lobular panniculitis. A positive immunofluorescent ba nd test with deposition of IgG, IgM and C3 at the dermal-epidermal jun ction and blood vessel walls helps to confirm the diagnosis. The knowl edge of the clinical features and histopathology of the disease is imp ortant because lupus panniculitis may precede systemic lupus erythemat osus by some years.