Systemic lupus erythematosus with celiac disease: a report of five cases

Systemic lupus erythematosus and celiac disease (CD) are rarely reported in combination. We report five cases seen over a 4-year period. The two conditions occurred concomitantly in one patient, whereas the CD antedated the lupus in one patient and postdated the lupus in the remaining three patients. Villous atrophy on duodenal biopsy specimens with a favorable response to a gluten-free diet was noted in all five patients. Only four patients had positive serological tests for CD and only three had abdominal symptoms.