A rare case of systemic lupus erythematosus in a male patient associated with antiphospholipid syndrome, presenting with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Autoimmune Hemolysis in a Male Patient with Lupus

Abstract

Abstract
This case report describes an unusual case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in a male patient associated with antiphospholipid syndrome who presented with recurrent episodes of jaundice secondary to severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia. SLE is rare in males and very few cases have been reported so far. Our patient was a middle-aged gentleman diagnosed case of SLE, presented with fatigue, generalized weakness and shortness of breath. He also had multiple episodes of jaundice. Diagnostic workup confirmed autoimmune hemolytic anemia, that was refractory to steroid therapy and Azathioprine, but responded to IV methylprednisolone and Mycophenolate. The antibodies for antiphospholipid syndrome were also positive. Although lupus and antiphospholipid syndromes are rare in males, these entities should be considered especially among those with unexplained anemia and hemolysis.