Panniculitis in connective tissue disease.

Specific and nonspecific panniculitis occur in connective tissue diseases. Microscopic studies of the epidermis and dermis, immunofluorescent microscopy, and extensive serologic testing may aid in the diagnosis and classification of these unusual syndromes. Connective tissue panniculitis and focal lipoatrophy may be forms of immunoreactive panniculitis or connective tissue disease (or both) in which typical microscopic, serologic, or other events related to classic connective tissue disease have not occurred.