Free tissue transfer in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a non-organ specific, autoimmune disease characterised by antinuclear antibodies and vasculitis. This may manifest itself with areas of cutaneous necrosis which may require extensive excision and reconstruction. Major areas of skin and soft tissue loss may require coverage with either local or microvascular free tissue transfer. This presents potential difficulties in patients with generalised vasculitis. We present the case of a professional cellist with extensive soft tissue loss in her dominant hand, successfully reconstructed with a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap, treated with peri- and postoperative anticoagulation and corticosteroids. Copyright 2000 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.