Summary
Subacute lupus erythematosus is a distinct and rare clinical form of systemic lupus erythematosus. It is characterized by annular erythemato-squamous plaques with a polycyclic outline, scattered on photo-exposed areas. Biologically the presence of anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies is identified. A large number of drugs have been identified as being involved in the development of this condition, among which taxanes are the most commonly recommended chemo-therapeutics for cancer patients. [1]
We present the case of a 52-year-old male patient with a history of right laterocervical metastatic adenopathic block after a squamous cell carcinoma with an imprecisely demarcated starting point with localization in the ENT(ear-nose-throat) sphere, radio- and chemotherapy with taxane (Paclitaxel). The diagnosis of neoplasia was confirmed one year ago and after 25 sessions of radiotherapy and 6 of chemotherapy, the patient discontinued the onco-logical treatment and was admitted to the Dermato-Venerology clinic for the appearance of erythemato-squamous , psoriasiform, well-defined plaques with polycyclic outline, localized on photoexposed areas, which appeared 2 months after the cessation of treatment. From a biological point of view presents pancytopenia, hypocomplementemia and positive antinuclear antibodies, anti double catenary and anti RO2 antibodies.
Histopathologic examination reveals: the presence of an epidermis with isolated cellular dyskeratosis, covered by parakeratotic plaques, superficial vesicular structures with detritus and PMN(polymorphonuclear) debris, in the papillary dermis, a discrete perivascular chronic inflammatory infiltrate.
The recommended treatment includes avoiding exposure to UV rays, photoprotection, topical application of a stripping ointment (salicylate ointment 6%), medium potency dermatocorticoids (Advantan cream) and synthetic antimalarials (Plaquenil) 400 mg daily.