Case report and review of lupus erythematosus cells in cytology fluids

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease typically diagnosed by a combination of physical findings and clinical laboratory testing. Several decades ago, the diagnosis of lupus included the lupus erythematosus (LE) cell assay. Autoimmune serology techniques such as anti-nuclear antibody staining have replaced the LE cell assay. However, as presented in this report and review of the literature, the in vivo finding of LE cells by cytopathology remains an important finding consistent with the diagnosis of SLE.