Oral mucosal lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus--a clinical, histopathological and immunopathological study.

The oral mucosa was investigated in 51 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lesions were seen in 23 patients (45%). Most lesions were of discoid type or erythemas; only 3 were seen in 23 patients (45%). Most lesions were of discoid type or erythemas; only 3 were ulcerations. The hard palate, buccal mucosa and vermilion border were the most frequent sites of involvement. The overall prevalence was not related to disease activity, but discoid lesions and ulcerations were only seen in patients with active disease. Histopathological investigation showed liquefactive degeneration in 6 biopsies of 10 lesions. Immunofluorescence examination was positive in all cases.