Late onset systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosed in an elderly man with unusual skin eruptions and sudden death

J Dermatol. 1995 Dec;22(12):943-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.1995.tb03951.x.

Abstract

A rare case of late onset SLE in an elderly man presented with generalized toxicoderma-like eruptions. The rash first appeared at age 64 years and was characterized by dark or purplish erythematous eruptions disseminated over the body surface. Histological examination revealed marked liquefaction degeneration and leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Direct immunofluorescence study and serological examination results were suggestive of SLE; however, the patient had no episodes of photosensitivity, malar erythema, or arthralgia. He was diagnosed as having SLE 11 months after his first visit and died suddenly 16 months after onset. Elderly men with SLE can present with unusual clinical manifestations; careful examination of these patients is required to reach a correct diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Death, Sudden*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Skin Diseases, Eczematous / complications
  • Skin Diseases, Eczematous / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Eczematous / physiopathology
  • Vasculitis / diagnosis
  • Vasculitis / physiopathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisolone