Rhupus Syndrome: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Cureus. 2022 Sep 11;14(9):e29018. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29018. eCollection 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Rhupus syndrome, a rare coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis, is characterized by symmetrical erosive polyarthritis and permanent deformities in addition to the clinical and serological characteristics of SLE. Its prognosis is further complicated by neurological and hematological involvement, which dramatically lowers patients' perceptions of their quality of life in terms of their health. Rhupus individuals have significantly less kidney involvement than SLE patients do. We present a case of a young female who had symmetric, bilateral, erosive polyarthritis for one and a half years preceding the signs and symptoms of SLE, which occurred about six months later.

Keywords: autoimmune; erosive polyarthritis; hematological; renal involvement; rheumatic; rheumatoid arthritis; rhupus; serositis; sle.

Publication types

  • Case Reports