Splenic hypofunction in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a relatively common autoimmune disease in the United States. Hyposplenism is infrequently described in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. It is seen in up to 5% of patients and is thought to be caused by vasculitic changes within the spleen. The diagnosis of hyposplenism can be made easily by identifying Howell-Jolly bodies on a peripheral blood smear. The authors describe a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus associated with hyposplenism and discuss possible diagnostic and treatment implications.
Childs
J C
JC
Department of Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford.
Adelizzi
R A
RA
Dabrow
M B
MB
Freed
N
N
D000328:Adult; D004908:Erythrocyte Inclusions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*