Systemic lupus erythematosus with inflammatory bowel disease-ulcerative colitis: case report

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Gastroenterology
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Clinical Case Study

Background:

• Co-occurrence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is uncommon.
• Understanding the interplay between these distinct autoimmune conditions is crucial for comprehensive patient management.

Observation:

• A 30-year-old female presented with pyoderma gangrenosum, indicative of underlying systemic inflammation.
• The patient exhibited symptoms suggestive of small-vessel vasculitis, including vision changes and digital ischemia.
• Recurrent rectal bleeding prompted investigation, leading to a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC).

Findings:

• Colonoscopy and histopathology confirmed inflammatory bowel disease-ulcerative colitis (IBD-UC).
• The patient met the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including oral ulcers, positive antinuclear antibodies, proteinuria, lupus anticoagulant, and low C3 complement.
• This case highlights the simultaneous presence of SLE and IBD-UC in a single patient.

Implications:

• This rare coexistence underscores the complex nature of autoimmune disorders.
• Clinicians should consider the possibility of multiple autoimmune conditions in patients with overlapping symptoms.
• Further research into the shared or distinct pathogenic mechanisms of SLE and IBD-UC may improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.