Subacute Cutaneous Lupus as a Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Abstract

Malignancies have been associated with paraneoplastic syndromes, such as dermatomyositis. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) can occur due to a wide array of cancers. Paraneoplastic SCLE obeys McLean’s criteria and often regresses after the underlying malignancy has been treated appropriately. Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies are often present in patients with paraneoplastic SCLE; however, there have been many instances where anti-Ro may not be present. We report a case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma causing SCLE, a malignancy not previously known to be associated with paraneoplastic SCLE. We also highlight the importance of perhaps prompt chemotherapy to treat the underlying malignancy, as a failure to do so may lead to worse patient outcomes.