Rheumatology Commons^™

Delayed Diagnosis Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting As Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: A Case For Heightened Clinical Suspicion, Diana Acosta Pozo, Luis Álvarez Pérez

Research Colloquium

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by multisystem involvement, including hematologic manifestations. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA), though an established feature, is relatively uncommon and may occur early or in isolation. When AIHA presents without overt systemic symptoms, the underlying autoimmune etiology may be overlooked, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment. Prompt recognition is essential to prevent unnecessary interventions and prolonged morbidity.

Case Presentation: A 39-year-old woman residing in Texas presented to the Rheumatology office with persistent synovitis and severe transfusion-dependent anemia, requiring red blood cell transfusions every 48 hours for over three months. She …

Anemia Is Never The Diagnosis: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia As A Herald Of Late-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Alhasan Asaad, Dixie Duran, Cristina Duran-Nesovic, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by multisystem involvement and a highly variable clinical presentation. It predominantly affects women of childbearing age and arises from complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors, resulting in immune dysregulation and widespread inflammation. The disease can manifest in nearly any organ system, with common presentations including skin rashes, arthritis, renal dysfunction, and hematologic abnormalities. Despite advances in understanding its pathogenesis and management, SLE remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its heterogeneous nature and potential for severe complications. This case report highlights a unique presentation of SLE, …

Autoimmune Encephalitis Of Unknown Etiology, Elizabeth Cook, Giselle Ricoy

Research Colloquium

Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain which can come about through various etiologies. Autoimmune encephalitis is a rare form that is most common among women and children. The clinical presentation can vary between patients with a constellation of symptoms including deficits in memory, cognition, seizures, abnormal movement, psychosis, and coma. Because of the variation in clinical presentation and the lack of specificity in imaging and laboratory findings, diagnosis and intervention are often delayed for months to years. These delays in diagnosis can have long term ramifications on patients especially pediatric patients whose neural pathways are still developing. In pediatric …