Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Massive Splenomegaly: A Case Report

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect any organ system in the body. It may also be complicated by other autoimmune diseases. This case report describes a patient who presented with massive splenomegaly on a background of clinical features of SLE. Splenomegaly in SLE however, is not common. The patient was evaluated further for haematological complications and liver involvement. She was diagnosed to have SLE-Autoimmune hepatitis overlap. SLE-AIH overlap syndrome is rare, but specific diagnosis is important because it influences the choice of immune-suppressants as well as long-term outcome. Liver biopsy helps clinch the diagnosis and should be encourage early in the diagnostic plan. It is also important to differentiate between the various causes of liver involvement in SLE.

Keywords

• massive splenomegaly
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• autoimmune hepatitis
• lupus hepatitis
• lupoid hepatitis