Findings

Note the poorly-defined erythematous rash distributed across the nasal bridge and malar (cheek) areas.

Impression

Lupus erythematosus, malar (butterfly) rash

Clinical Pathologic Correlation
Lupus erythematosus typically involves multiple organ systems including the skin. In some cases, tissue injury is localized to the skin without systemic manifestations. This variant is called discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). However, the skin lesions of DLE may be indistinguishable from those of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Pathology Pointer

The malar rash shown above is one of the characteristic skin lesions of lupus erythematosus and is also called "butterfly rash".

Preparation

Fresh

View

Clinical photograph

Specimen

Skin

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego