Annular erythema associated with Sjogren's syndrome: a variant of cutaneous lupus erythematosus?

Annular erythema has been recognised as a cutaneous manifestation of Sjogre n's syndrome in the Asian literature and has been assumed to represent a di stinct clinical entity. Since there are common pathophysiologic mechanisms, mainly the presence of anti-Ro/SSA or anti-La/SSB antibodies, it is diffic ult to separate the annular erythema from subacute cutaneous lupus erythema tosus. Histological examination may reveal dermal mucin deposition resembli ng lupus erythematosus tumidus. We present a Chinese patient with widesprea d annular erythema, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies. Clinical, histopathological,and immunogenetic findings are discussed revie wing the current literature, and the differences between annular erythema a ssociated with Sjogren's syndrome and cutaneous lupus erythematosus are emp hasized.