PURPOSE: To recognize discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) as a treatable cause of chronic blepharoconjunctivitis. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Records of 5 patients with biopsy-proven DLE were reviewed. METHODS: Clinical and pathology records were examined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' clinical and histopathological characteristics and response to treatment were assessed. RESULTS: Clinical features included meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, chalazia, trichiasis, madarosis, conjunctivitis, chronic eyelid edema, and eyelid plaques. Histopathology showed hyperkeratotic epithelium, degeneration of the basal cell layer, and a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. There was delayed diagnosis in all cases, ranging from 4 months to 25 years. All of the patients responded to systemic hydroxychloroquine therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Heightened awareness of eyelid DLE may lead to earlier detection and specific therapy for this chronic disorder.
PURPOSE: To recognize discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) as a treatable cause of chronic blepharoconjunctivitis. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Records of 5 patients with biopsy-proven DLE were reviewed. METHODS: Clinical and pathology records were examined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' clinical and histopathological characteristics and response to treatment were assessed. RESULTS: Clinical features included meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, chalazia, trichiasis, madarosis, conjunctivitis, chronic eyelid edema, and eyelid plaques. Histopathology showed hyperkeratotic epithelium, degeneration of the basal cell layer, and a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. There was delayed diagnosis in all cases, ranging from 4 months to 25 years. All of the patients responded to systemic hydroxychloroquine therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Heightened awareness of eyelid DLE may lead to earlier detection and specific therapy for this chronic disorder.