Lupus erythematosus profundus (Kaposi-Irgang) with monoclonal gammopathy.

The appearance of subcutaneous nodules of lupus erythematosus profundus on the face and neck of a woman with a long history of lupus erythematosus (LE) is reported. Of note were the three distinct stages in the course of the disease: (1) discoid LE, first appearing at the age of 42; (2) systemic LE, appearing 10 years later; (3) LE profundus, appearing 21 years after the diagnosis of discoid LE was made. The finding of monoclonal gammopathy is of particular interest, although its relationship to the basic disease has not been clarified.