Multiple dermatofibromas in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome

Abstract

We report a case of multiple dermatofibromas in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome. He was treated with prednisolone, diaphenylsulfone, and cyclosporine for SLE. He noticed two brown nodules on his right lower leg 3 years after the first consultation. Subsequently, six nodules developed within 6 months, and 2 more nodules after 10 months. Histopathological examination of a nodule on his left hand showed fibrotic proliferation with a storiform pattern in the whole dermis, but neither necrosis nor mitosis was observed. From these findings, a diagnosis of multiple dermatofibromas was made. As these tumors appeared during the remission stage of SLE, they might have been under immunosuppressive conditions caused by immunosuppressing agents rather than collagen disease itself.

Keywords:

• Multiple dermatofibromas
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Corticosteroids
• Cyclosporine