Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus in the course of rheumatoid arthritis: a relationship with TNF-α antagonists and rituximab therapy?

Abstract

Introduction: Drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (DI-SCLE) is caused by different medicines, first of all: calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, thiazides, terbinafine, statins and antagonists of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). DI-SCLE does not distinguish from idiopathic form of the disease, clinically, histopathologically and immunologically. However, receding of symptoms is observed after recapture of the provoking drug.

Aim: To present a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who developed SCLE after treatment with TNF-α antagonists and rituximab.

Case report: In a 31-year-old woman with RA leucopenia due to treatment with etanercept and adalimumab was observed. Therefore, the treatment was changed to rituximab, but after starting the therapy, erythematous and oedematous skin lesions of an oval or annular shape appeared on the cheeks, auricles, lips and the decolette. Histopathological evaluation of the skin lesions revealed SCLE. Ro/SS-A and La/SS-B antibodies were detected in serum. Regression of skin lesions and hematologic disturbances was achieved after starting corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusions: Co-existence of SCLE with RA should be considered in some patients. The role of TNF-α antagonists and rituximab therapy in induction of idiopathic form of SCLE requires further investigations.

• Drug-induced lupus
• rheumatoid arthritis
• subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus