Rowell Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review on Pathogenesis of a Rare and Challenging Entity and the Horizon of Targeted Therapeutics Publisher



Khayyat A¹ ; Zohouri SA² ; Esmaaeil Pour MA³ ; Hatami P⁴ ; Smoller BR⁵
Source: Health Science Reports Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Rowell syndrome (RS), an infrequent illness characterized by a combination of erythema multiforme-like manifestations and systemic lupus erythematosus, poses diagnostic and clinical issues to the healthcare system. Initially discovered by Dr. Virginie Rowell in 1963, the disorder manifests as an overlapping illness with various dermatological and rheumatological conditions, necessitating precise assessment. Method: The review encompasses demographic characters, dermatological signs and symptoms, triggering or contributing factors, laboratory studies, diagnosis and therapy challenges, and the outcome of RS. Through an analysis of the literature, this study identifies sunlight, medication use, COVID-19 vaccination, and bacterial infections as contributing predisposing risks. Laboratory abnormalities revealed positive antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor as common features, supporting the autoimmune origin of this illness. Result: Medications vary, with systemic corticosteroids used as the initial therapy, and appropriate proper outcomes are observed with rituximab and hydroxychloroquine. Recent discoveries in biological agents and targeted immunotherapies have provided useful options for personalized care. Conclusion: In summary, our study provides detailed and valuable data to deepen our knowledge about RS, showing the need for further investigations to discover the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and to identify novel targeted agents that can individualize the treatment plan. © 2025 The Author(s). Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.