Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus associated with sjogren's syndrome and anti-Ro antibody-Report of one case

Subaculc cutaneous lupus erythematosus （SCLE） is recently recognized by its widespread distribution and superficial, nonscarring appearance, in contrast to acute SLE rashes and chronic discoid lupus skin lesion. About fourty patients with SCLE have been reported in Chinese literature in the past four years, but no one was found to be associated with Sjögren’s syndrome （SS）. One such case seen in our hospital is presented. A 27-year-old woman had diffuse papulosquamous skin rash for about 5 years, affecting scalp, neck, trunk and extremities. For 2 years, she had recurrent parotid swelling and oral ulcer with xerostomia, dryness in the eyes and low-grade fever, and recent onset of arthralgia and fatigue. Laboratory tests showed serum ANA 1:1280, anti-Ro anttboby 1:128, anti-La 1:16, dsDNA binding 57%, and RF 1:40. Results of Schirmer’s test, slit-lamp examination after rose bengal stain and biopsy of the minor salivary glands from the lower lip were typical of SS. The diagnosis of SCLE associated with SS is thus established. The rash rapidly resolved under simple treatment with chloroquine 0.5-0.375 g daily.