The clinicopathologic and serologic findings of thirteen patients with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus are reported. The clinical and immunologic features are similar to those described by most other authors. From a histologic point of view, however, two aspects could be emphasized: the presence of a larger number of epidermal colloid bodies and severe epidermal necrosis (more than 60% of cases). All patients with this microscopic picture have a similar clinical and serologic pattern: annular lesions, anti-Ro antibodies and human leukocyte antigen-DR3.