Lupus band test: anatomic regional variations in discoid lupus erythematosus.

Seventy-one patients with discoid lupus erythematosus were studied for anatomic regional variations in the lupus band test. The test was positive in 82% of biopsies from the scalp, face, neck, and upper extremity. Only three out of fourteen biopsies (21%) from the trunk were positive. Discoid lupus erythematosus could be confirmed or strongly suspected in the light microscopic sections from all cases. Truncal lesions should not be selected for the lupus band test in discoid lupus erythematosus if there are other choices.