Sweet's syndrome as an initial presentation in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and review of the literature

Malar or discoid rash is the most frequent specific cutaneous lesion for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Neutrophilic dermatosis as an initial presentation in SLE is unusual. We describe a 38-year old female patient who primarily suffered from erythematous tender plaques and fever. Examination of skin biopsy of the plaques showed dense neutrophilic infiltration in the dermis. Polyarthritis, heavy proteinuria, photosensitivity and positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA > 1 : 1280) concluded the diagnosis of SLE. The plaques disappeared completely after treatment with systemic corticosteroids. To our knowledge, this is the first reported SLE patient with Sweet's syndrome as the initial presentation in literature review.