Direct Immunofluorescence in Cutaneous and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Literature Review

Chuda  Rujitharanawong; Kanokvalai  Kulthanan; Papapit  Tuchinda; Samruay  Pinkaew; Nattacha  Chanchaemsri; Sasipha  Nuttawong; Leena  Chularojanamontri

doi:10.33192/smj.v75i2.260754

Authors

Chuda Rujitharanawong Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Kanokvalai Kulthanan Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Papapit Tuchinda Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Samruay Pinkaew Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Nattacha Chanchaemsri Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Sasipha Nuttawong Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Leena Chularojanamontri Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v75i2.260754

Keywords:

Direct immunofluorescence, Lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Cutaneous manifestations of lupus erythematosus (LE) have a variety of clinical phenotypes and require proper investigation for diagnosis. Knowledge of the direct immunofluorescence (DIF) technique has improved and played an important role in the diagnosis of cutaneous LE. This review explores and summarizes reported DIF findings of each cutaneous LE variant. Historically, DIF findings of cutaneous LE have revealed deposits of multiple immunoreactants at the dermo-epidermal junction with either linear or granular patterns. Immunoglobulin M is the most common immunoreactant and DIF findings of cutaneous LE variants overlap. Therefore, diagnosis of cutaneous LE requires a combination of monitoring patient history, physical examinations and laboratory studies. This review helps interpret and better understand the application of DIF studies in cutaneous LE.

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