[Pseudo-tumorous panniculitis of the mesentery. An unusual initial stage of acute lupus erythematosus in a 10-year-old girl].

Lupus panniculitis usually affects the hypodermis and the dermis profundus (Irgang's lupus profundus). In our case, the systemic lupus erythematosus was preceded by an intraabdominal panniculitis, occurring as a voluminous tumor. Histological examination showed the usual picture of panniculitis, but there were also severe fibrinoid necrotic lesions, which should have alerted us. Lupus must be included among the etiologies of intraabdominal panniculitis.