THE CLINICAL features which distinguish disseminated lupus erythematosus include arthritis, polyserositis, dermatitis, nephritis, hepatosplenomegaly, and hematologic abnormalities. Heliotropic discoloration of the eyelids is said to be pathognomic of dermatomyositis.1 The purpose of this report is to call attention to its occurrence in a probable case of disseminated lupus erythematosus.
Report of a Case
An 11-year-old white girl was admitted to a hospital because of anorexia, fever, weakness, bleeding gums, and palatal ulcerations. The hemoglobin was 12 gm/100 cc; total leukocytes, 2,900/cu mm, with a normal differential count; and platelets, 76,000/cu mm. Urinalysis and serum protein electrophoresis were normal.She was admitted here one month later. Physical examination revealed a cachetic, depressed girl with temperature, 102 F (38.9 C); pulse rate, 104/min; respiratory rate, 20/min; and blood pressure, 98/45 mm Hg. Her weight was 24.5 kg (54 lb); height, 127 cm (4 ft 2 inches). The eyelids were edematous. The