A case of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by pure red cell aplasia and idiopathic portal hypertension after thymectomy

Mod Rheumatol. 2006;16(2):109-12. doi: 10.1007/s10165-006-0465-7.

Abstract

We describe a 49-year-old woman who presented in 2002 with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) that developed following a thymectomy. She underwent a thymectomy at 40 years of age to treat myasthenia gravis. PRCA developed 3 years after the thymectomy and she was successfully treated with cyclosporin. Systemic lupus erythematosus and IPH were diagnosed 6 years later. We conclude that immunological dysfunction resulting from the thymectomy contributed significantly to the subsequent development of PRCA, SLE, and IPH in this patient. This is the first report to describe this extremely rare occurrence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / etiology*
  • Hypertension, Portal / pathology
  • Hypertension, Portal / therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / etiology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / pathology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / drug therapy
  • Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / etiology*
  • Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / pathology
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Thymectomy / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Prednisolone