Drug-induced Rowell syndrome in a male patient

Abstract

Rowell syndrome is a rare skin disease described as an association of erythema multiforme and systemic lupus erythematosus, immunologically characterized by speckled antinuclear, anti-Ro, and anti-La antibodies. The majority of described cases affect middle-aged women. We report a case of a 53-year-old man with no previous history of lupus erythematosus, who developed erythema multiforme-like lesions and immunological findings consistent with Rowell syndome upon an intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The patient responded well to systemic steroids and hydroxychloroquine. A short overview, emphasizing the specific clinical, laboratory and histology findings of this peculiar syndrome, is also presented.