Hodgkin's lymphoma in an adolescent with systemic lupus erythematosus

An adolescent female with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis subsequently contracted Hodgkin's lymphoma, mixed cellularity type. Prior to the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma, hypogammaglobulinemia developed with IgG deficiency. The nephritis, which improved on steroid therapy, remitted entirely after nitrogen mustard, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (MOPP) therapy. The hypogammaglobulinemia also remitted after chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma. The literature concerning the association of SLE and Hodgkin's lymphoma is reviewed. The significance of this concurrence is discussed in regard to the possible pathophysiology and the clinical management.