Rowell syndrome – a clinical entity that must not be forgotten

Abstract

Objective. Rowell Syndrome represents a rare condition, characterised by the existence of erythema multiforme with lupus erythematosus. The diagnosis is made in patients which present both the major criteria (coexistence of discoid lupus erythematosus with erythema multiforme lesions and positivity for speckled - pattern antinuclear antibodies) and at least one of the minor criteria (frostbites-like lesions, positive anti-La or anti-Ro antibodies and reactive rheumatoid factor). The main objective of this article is to evidence a rare case of Rowell Syndrome and the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management involved for resolving this case. Material and method. This article presents the case of a 47-year-old patient diagnosed with Rowell Syndrome, which met the diagnostic criteria. In her case, we used a therapeutic regimen comprising Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg/day and pulse-therapy with methylprednisolone 1 gram/day, for 3 days. Results. The decremental titration of prednisone resulted in reoccurrence of cutaneous lesions, prompting the return to the high doses, with normalisation of skin lesions. Conclusions. The presented case highlights the importance of keeping in mind the diagnosis of Rowell Syndrome in all the situations of patients with serologic profile of lupus and erythema multiforme lesions. Discussion. The therapeutic regimen and evolution under treatment may have a variable course, imposing the monitoring of patients a course for preventing the disease relapse.