Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis-Like Lupus Erythematous Presentation Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs. Infectious agents have been implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE. The emergent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine storm and has been linked to autoimmune phenomena, which can lead to the onset of autoimmune diseases. We report the case of a 70-year-old patient who developed a toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)-like subacute cutaneous lupus (SCL) as a severe presentation of SLE, 1 month after SARS-CoV-2 infection. After excluding other causes of SLE, treatment was initiated with a successful outcome.

J Med Cases. 2022;13(2):89-93
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3880