Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Coexisting with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A 23 year old female presented with fatigue, Raynaud's syndrome, symmetric polyarthritis, lymphocytopenia, hypocomplementemia, IgG elevation, and antinuclear antibodies with anti-U1RNP specificity. A diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was made. Disseminated micronodular infiltration in the chest X-ray, a pattern of lymphocytic alveolitis by bronchoalveolar lavage, histologic demonstration of non-caseating epitheloid microgranulomas, and rapid reversal of lung disease upon low-dose methylprednisolone treatment led to a diagnosis of concomitant sarcoidosis. Clues to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis coexisting with SLE are discussed.