Myelofibrosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

In this study we present a case of coexisting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and myclofibrosis. Literature review supports the fact that the two diseases rarely occur together in the same patient. The young female patient studied was admitted with pancytopenia and a clinical picture which met the criteria of SLE. Histological examination of the bone marrow biopsy revealed severe myelofibrosis with hypocellularity of the myeloid cell lines. Treatment with immunosuppressive and colony stimulating factor led to slow but complete regeneration of the bone marrow and subsequently to an improved haematological status, and the patient was spared bone marrow transplantation.

Key Words:

• myelofibrosis
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• coexistence

Additional information

Notes on contributors

IstvAan Gaal

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.