[Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus].

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is recognized as a variant of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and affects mainly middle-aged Caucasian women. The clinical picture is characterized by typical skin lesions, joint or muscle pain and occasionally arthritis. Serious systemic manifestations such as affection of the central nervous system and kidneys are rarely observed. Most SCLE patients are strongly photosensitive, which is associated with the presence of anti-SSA and/or anti-SSB antibodies. The disease can mimic both Sjögren's syndrome and SLE. The course is characterized by exacerbations and remissions. SCLE sometimes occurs concomitantly with other diseases of both a rheumatological or non-rheumatological nature, and it has also been discussed whether SCLE might be an example of a paraneoplastic syndrome. Treatment with hydroxychloroquine is usually effective. Five patients with SCLE are described.