Rhupus and Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Rhupus syndrome is a rare condition that describes the coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To present a clinical case of overlap syndrome associated with diffuse interstitial lung disease.

Case presentation: A 59-year-old patient was reported. He met the clinical and immunological criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. During 9 years this patient has presented respiratory manifestations such as dyspnea upon slight exertion and dry cough. In addition, tis subject suffers from symmetrical polyarticular arthritis, accompanied by morning stiffness. Diffuse interstitial lung disease was confirmed in the course of Rhupus after performing immunological studies, x-rays, respiratory function testing and high-resolution computed axial tomography. The incidence of this disease in connective tissue diseases is common and the prognosis depends on the type of interstitial disease, as well as its severity. However, its presentation is not common in patients with Rhupus.

Conclusions: Rheumatoid arthritis is the form of Rhupus onset in most cases, however, the opposite has been described as occurred in our patient who developed this disease over time. Diffuse interstitial lung disease is not a common manifestation in patients suffering from Rhupus, so documentation of this case was considered important.