Overlap of Scleroderma and Class V Lupus Nephritis: A Rare Autoimmune Confluence

Cureus. 2024 Mar 26;16(3):e56990. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56990. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

The autoimmune connective tissue disease scleroderma is characterized by fibrosis of the skin, blood vessels, and visceral organs. Overlap syndromes are conditions in which a patient has characteristics from two or more autoimmune disorders. The coexistence of scleroderma and lupus nephritis is rare but documented. However, it is crucial to note that both scleroderma and lupus are complex autoimmune diseases with diverse clinical presentations and can affect multiple organ systems, including the kidneys. This case report presents a unique clinical scenario of a patient with the coexistence of scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus with Class V lupus nephritis, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach.

Keywords: acute inflamm; kidney disease; localized scleroderma; membranous glomeluropathy; sytemic lupus erythematosus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports