Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by disseminated sarcoidosis. Report of a case associated with circulating immune complexes

The association of SLE with sarcoidosis has been reported infrequently. The case of a 47-year-old white woman who had the diagnosis of SLE made at our institution in October of 1979 is presented. In February 1980, the onset of bilateral hilar adenopathy prompted an investigation leading to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Circulating immune complexes were markedly elevated. The association of these two diseases has only recently been recognized and may be more widespread than previously suspected. Some animal and clinical data, in concert with our observations, suggest that humoral autoimmunity may give rise to both processes in the same patient.