Lupus erythematosus associated with erythema multiforme: does Rowell's syndrome exist?

Abstract

We describe a patient with lupus erythematosus who experienced an unusual erythema multiforme-like eruption suggestive of Rowell's syndrome. We compare our case and 9 other reports of lupus erythematosus associated with erythema multiforme to the 4 cases reported by Rowell. Our findings indicate that Rowell's original criteria are not well preserved. The coexistence of lupus erythematosus with erythema multiforme does not impart any unusual characteristics to either disease, and the immunologic disturbances in such patients are probably coincidental.