Rhupus Syndrome, an Overlap of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus(SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA); Case Report

Abstract

Introduction Nearly 25% of systemic symptoms of autoimmune disorders are misdiagnosed and mismanaged and often come with flare-ups or complications. The coexistence of multiple rheumatic diseases makes it more challenging regarding both management and diagnosis. Several types of overlap syndrome are documented in the literature. While two or more rheumatic diseases coexist, one disease often is clinically predominant. Rhupus syndrome, which combines the clinical and laboratory aspects of rheumatic arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is one of the uncommon and sporadically documented overlaps. SLE and RA are systemic autoimmune rheumatic illnesses that affect multiple organs and systems and have unique clinical and serological traits. (1)" Rhupus" was first coined in 1971 to describe patients who satisfy the criteria for both systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis(RA). (2) it has been defined as a deforming and symmetric polyarthritis accompanied by symptoms of SLE and the presence of antibodies such as ant-ds-DNA, anti-smith, and rheumatoid factor with or without ant-CCP antibody. (a) because of the rarity of the disease the prevalence, pathophysiology, natural history, and radiological and immunological profiles profile of rhupus are poorly described.There is no known etiology causing the disease but there are limited studies suggesting the combined role of genetic, immunological, hormonal, and environmental factors in the progression of the disease. (3) identification of rhupus is very essential owing that their therapy and outcome differ from those patients having RA or SLE alone. (4)We report one such rare case below.Case presentation :