Lupus vulgaris in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and persistent IgG deficiency

Primary immunodeficiency association with systemic lupus erythematosus: review of literature and lessons learned by the Rheumatology Division of a tertiary university hospital at São Paulo, Brazil

Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) represent a heterogeneous group of diseases resulting from inherited defects in the development, maturation and normal function of immune cells; thus, turning individuals susceptible to recurrent infections, allergy, autoimmunity, and malignancies. In this retrospective study, autoimmune diseases (AIDs), in special systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which arose associated to the course of PID, are described. Classically, the literature describes three groups of PID associated with SLE: (1) deficiency of Complement pathway components, (2) defects in immunoglobulin synthesis, and (3) chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Currently, other PID have been described with clinical manifestation of SLE, such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) and idiopathic CD4(+) lymphocytopenia. Also we present findings from an adult cohort from the outpatient clinic of the Rheumatology Division of Universidade Federal de São Paulo. The PID manifestations found by our study group were considered mild in terms of severity of infections and mortality in early life. Thus, it is possible that some immunodeficiency states are compatible with survival regarding infectious susceptibility; however these states might represent a strong predisposing factor for the development of immune disorders like those observed in SLE.

Primary nasal Tuberculosis - A case report

During the past two decades, Tuberculosis - both pulmonary and extrapulmonary have re-emerged as a major health problem worldwide. Nasal tuberculosis may be primary, or secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis or facial lupus. However all of them are rare entities. Nasal tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic nasal granulomas. We report a case of primary nasal tuberculosis in an adult female who presented with a polypoidal lesion in the nasal cavity. The diagnosis was based upon smear study, histopathology, culture & polymerase chain reaction. The patient successfully responded to antituberculous therapy and is presently disease free. Given the resurgence of tuberculosis in recent times, it is important that otolaryngologists remain aware of this rare clinical entity.

Atypical cutaneous findings in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

A previously diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus patient presented with arthralgia, skin rash and muscular weakness. When treated with high-dose corticosteroids and methotrexate she improved, except for a persistent lesion in the hand which evolved into a profound ulcer, along with tender subcutaneous nodules in the calf. A skin biopsy disclosed necrotizing vasculitis with giant cell granuloma revealing acid fast positive bacteria on ziels nilsen staining. A chest X-ray disclosed miliary tuberculosis (TB). The patient was diagnosed as miliary TB with prominent cutaneous involvement and treated with four anti-tuberculous drugs with slow resolution of her systemic, pulmonary and skin signs.

When typical is atypical: mycobacterial infection mimicking cutaneous vasculitis

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who present with skin disease pose the clinician with diagnostic challenges. The skin disease can reflect an increase in systemic disease activity suggested by other features of active lupus and, as such, usually responds well to more aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. Other possibilities of skin disease include drug eruptions, skin disease unrelated to SLE and, more rarely, opportunistic skin infection. In patients who show a poor response to more aggressive immunosuppressive therapy, consideration must be given to the possibility of opportunistic infection. A high index of suspicion will allow prompt treatment. We describe two patients with SLE who developed cutaneous atypical mycobacterial infection during immunosuppressive therapy. The diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitis was considered in both cases, but subsequent skin biopsy revealed the correct diagnosis. This report illustrates the importance of skin biopsy in patients with suspected cutaneous lupus who are not responding to immunosuppressive therapy.