[The specificity of the lupus band test. Personal findings and literature data (author's transl)].

The lupus band test is usually considered as a valuable aid for the diagnosis of lupus erythematous. Involved skin shows positive results in about 900 p. 100 of cases of discoid LE and systemic LE. However, the specificity of this test has been challenged by reports of positive immunofluorescent findings in other cutaneous diseases, like rosacea, in non-cutaneous diseases, and in healthy individuals. Discrepant data from the literature prompted us to report our own experience : direct immunofluorescent examination of skin biopsies was performed in 550 patients from a dermatologic department. Concerning diseased skin, a dermal-epidermal band was observed only in 18 cases of lupus erythematosus, in 4 cases of lepromatous leprosy, in one case of vasculitis, one case of prurigo, and one case of dermatomyositis. Concerning healthy skin, a band was seen only in 8 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus. These results confirm other reports establishing the specificity of the lupus band test.