Lupus erythematosus tumidus: an underestimated entity

Abstract

There have been few reports of lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) in the literature. Most of textbooks of dermatology or dermatopathology mention this entity only briefly, if at all. The authors describe an additional case of this underdiagnosed disorder that further supports its existence as a separate entity in the spectrum of the variants of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Although most cases are reported in the European countries, to our knowledge, this is the first case documented in Portugal. The clinical, photobiological and histological features as well as differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are also discussed.