Two faces of Janus. Coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis in the same patient

摘要

While both lupus erythematosus and psoriasis are inflammatory dermatoses characterized by scaly erythematous plaques, they are rarely confused in clinical practice. We report a woman who alternately presented with lupus erythematosus and psoriasis over 14 years but the former condition was not recognized and adequately treated. After the complete diagnosis had been established, a combination of thalidomide and acitretin resulted in a prolonged remission of both disorders. This unusual case demonstrates that coexistence of two diseases in one patient presents a diagnostic challenge that can only be met by repeated careful correlation of all clinical and histopathologic findings. It is of particular importance if these diseases require conflicting management strategies.