The Persistent Palatal Lesion: An Early JSLE Warning Sign

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterised by diverse clinical manifestations. In addition to constitutional symptoms, it most frequently involves the skin and joints, although serositis, nephritis, haematological cytopenia, and neurological manifestations may occur during the course of the disease. A variety of oral mucosal lesions, such as cheilitis, erythematous patches, and ulcers, are observed in both cutaneous and SLE.
In juvenile-onset SLE (JSLE), oral ulcers are a prevalent mucosal sign. On average it can take 6 years to be diagnosed from the onset of symptoms. Earlier diagnosis and better management result in a lower prevalence of life-threatening disease.
This Case Report aims to provide a succinct case summary involving both common and uncommon features of JSLE, subsequent management and response, as well as discussion points and information from the literature.
This case prompts us to reflect on the benefits of access to Oral Medicine as a specialty and to consider the life-changing, far reaching and evolving impact of early diagnosis of chronic disease in a teenager using a biopsychosocial model.