A 26-year-old woman with known SLE, positive anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies, develops targetoid erythematous lesions with central vesiculation on the face and extremities, accompanied by oral erosions and fever. Which syndrome is she most likely exhibiting?

• A Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus
• B Rowell's syndrome ✓
• C Stevens-Johnson syndrome from antimalarial therapy
• D Lupus panniculitis with vasculitis

Explanation

Rowell's syndrome is defined by erythema multiforme-like or toxic epidermal necrolysis-like lesions occurring in a patient with lupus erythematosus, classically with a positive antinuclear antibody and circulating anti-Ro (SSA) or anti-La (SSB) antibodies, often with a speckled ANA pattern. Bullous SLE instead shows widespread tense blisters with subepidermal neutrophilic microabscesses on histology and antibodies to type VII collagen.

Reference: Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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