Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus in children—report of two cases and review of the literature: A case report

Abstract

Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus is an unusual presentation of cutaneous lupus following Blaschko’s lines. It is described mostly in children and young adults and is usually not associated with systemic involvement. We report two cases of linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus in children who significantly improved after treatment with hydroxychloroquine in combination with topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus. These rare cases underline the importance of including linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus in the differential diagnosis of blaschkoid inflammatory lesions.

Linear childhood discoid lupus erythematosus along a Blaschko's line of the arm

“…A PubMed search was conducted with “lupus AND (linear OR Blaschko) AND (discoid OR cutaneous).” Patients aged ≥20 years were excluded. There were 29 cases, 1–5,8–25 including ours. Of them, 17 patients had skin lesion on their face, while 8 patients had skin lesions on their arm, the second most common site of DLE.…”

Linear discoid lupus erythematous simulating en coup de sabre morphea in a female chronic granulomatous disease carrier

“…Linear forms of cutaneous LE represent a rare variant of cutaneous LE presenting predominantly in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Linear DLE and linear lupus panniculitis represented the two most common clinical subtypes in a pediatric-onset linear cutaneous LE case series [4]. Linear pediatric cutaneous LE characteristically followed Blaschko lines and was accompanied by systemic LE in only 6% of cases.…”

“…Linear pediatric cutaneous LE characteristically followed Blaschko lines and was accompanied by systemic LE in only 6% of cases. Both linear DLE and linear lupus panniculitis can be accompanied by atrophy and alopecia [4]. Differential diagnosis considerations for other linear skin disorders were It is currently believed that Blaschko lines demarcate the dorsoventral migration patterns of embryonic ectodermal development.…”

Linear papules, plaques, and ulcers in a boy

“…Treatment options for linear LE include topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, systemic antimalarials, photoprotection, and physical modalities 2 . Response to topical therapy alone is often poor, and systemic therapy may be required 9 . Prognosis is generally good, and progression to systemic LE is rare but unpredictable 2…”