Systemic lupus erythematosus and Castleman's disease
Suwannaroj, S.; Elkins, S.L.; McMurray, R.W.
Journal of Rheumatology 26(6): 1400-1403
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 10381064 Document Number: 509117
Lymphadenopathy is a common finding in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet lymphoid malignancy is rare. Typically, adenopathy associated with SLE responds to glucocorticoid therapy. We evaluated a patient with a diagnosis of SLE who had progressive lymphadenopathy despite receiving aggressive corticosteroid therapy for SLE associated thrombocytopenia. Histopathology initially revealed an aggressive plasmacytosis characteristic of Castleman's disease (CD). CD, or angiofollicular hyperplasia, is a rare lymphoproliferative neoplasm that has features overlapping many autoimmune diseases. This disorder should be considered in autoimmune diseases with unremitting or progressive adenopathy.