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The Spectrum of Cutaneous Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Novel Classification

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Connective Tissue Disease

Part of the book series: Rare Diseases of the Immune System ((RDIS))

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune syndrome showing a broad and protean spectrum of clinical and immunological features. Cutaneous involvement is frequently found in SLE. Affected patients may show a variety of different “specific” and “nonspecific” cutaneous manifestations as either an initial leading sign of the disease or as complication in its course. Hence, knowledge of the typical and more unusual cutaneous features associated with SLE is important for the proper diagnosis and management of affected patient.

After articular involvement, the skin represents the second most frequently affected organ in SLE. In fact, approximately 80 % of patients will display skin manifestations during the course of the disease. This chapter will focus on cutaneous involvement in SLE, with special emphasis on classification, diagnostic, and treatment aspects.

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Ribero, S., Lipsker, D., Borradori, L. (2016). The Spectrum of Cutaneous Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Novel Classification. In: Roccatello, D., Emmi, L. (eds) Connective Tissue Disease. Rare Diseases of the Immune System. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24535-5_7

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