A patient presenting with a malar "butterfly" rash, arthralgia, and ulcers in the nose and mouth is most likely suffering from __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

These symptoms are classic for systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems. The malar rash, or butterfly rash, is a hallmark symptom. Arthralgia (joint pain) is also common, as are ulcers in the nose and mouth. Rheumatoid arthritis typically presents with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, but not with the characteristic malar rash or ulcers. Psoriatic arthritis is associated with skin lesions similar to, but different from, the malar rash seen in lupus. Reiter's syndrome is a reactive arthritis triggered by an infection, and does not typically involve the skin or ulcers in the nose and mouth.

A Patient Presenting with a Malar "Butterfly" Rash, Arthralgia, and Ulcers