Coexisting Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sickle Cell Disease

In Brief Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and sickle cell disease (SCD) are relatively common disorders with comparable prevalence among blacks. The coexistence of these 2 conditions in the same individual appears to be rare. We report 4 cases of coexisting SLE and SCD. These patients displayed a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal, central nervous system, and renal complications that may be associated with either SCD or SLE. Because of a substantial overlap between the clinical manifestations of these 2 disorders, the diagnosis of SLE in patients with SCD may be difficult to establish and is often delayed. Up to 23% of patients with SCD may have antinuclear antibodies. All patients in this series had antecedent SCD but new important complications from SLE. Although patients with sickle cell disease have arthropathy, multiorgan involvement, and even positive antinuclear antibodies, the 4 patients in this series all had new features resulting from systemic lupus erythematosus.