Final answer:
Lupus Erythematosus Panniculitis is a rare form of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus involving inflammation of the fat layer beneath the skin, which can lead to deep, tender skin nodules. SLE is an autoimmune disease with symptoms like fatigue and a butterfly rash, and it results from a type III hypersensitivity reaction involving autoantibodies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lupus Erythematosus Panniculitis, also referred to as lupus profundus, is a rare manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). SLE is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and body-wide tissue damage due to autoimmunity to the individual's own DNA and/or proteins. This underlying mechanism in SLE leads to various manifestations including psychological fatigue, a distinctive butterfly rash, and poor circulation to fingers and toes, among other symptoms.
SLE can cause panniculitis, an inflammation of the fat layer beneath the skin which can result in deep, tender skin nodules or lumps. Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus follows type III hypersensitivity reactions, involving autoantibodies directed against nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. Important autoantibodies in SLE include anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs), found in more than 95% of SLE patients, and unique antibodies to SLE like anti-double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) and anti-Sm antibodies.
The presence of such autoantibodies leads to a series of complex immune reactions that cause cellular destruction, nuclear damage, and the formation of immune complexes. These immune complexes contribute to the varied organ dysfunction seen in SLE patients. It is essential to recognize the autoimmune nature of SLE to understand the broad range of symptoms affecting different parts of the body, from skin to internal organs.