Unusual coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus and primary biliary cirrhosis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are distinct clinical disorders which rarely occur in the same patient. We report on a 65-year-old woman with coexistence of both conditions. Diagnosis of SLE was ascertained by the presence of seven ACR criteria (cutaneous lesions, photosensitivity, antinuclear and anti-double-stranded-DNA antibodies, pancytopenia, arthritis, oral lesions). PBC was disclosed by clinical investigation, liver histology and highly positive antimitochondrial M2 antibodies. The most important differential diagnoses of lupus hepatitis are PBC and autoimmune hepatitis. Diagnostic criteria for these conditions are discussed, and previous reports on overlap between SLE and PBC are reviewed.