Thymoma-associated systemic lupus erythematosus, exacerbating after thymectomy. A case report and review of the literature

SIR, Myasthenia gravis (MG), pure red cell aplasia and acquiredhypogammaglobulinaemia are well recognized to be associatedwith thymoma, but systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can alsobe a manifestation of thymoma. The literature on the featuresof thymoma-associated SLE and the effect of thymectomy on SLEdisease activity is conflicting. A 76-yr-old Caucasian woman presented with malaise and weightloss of 10 kg over the past 6 months. Clinical examination atthat time revealed a low body weight of 46 kg and a body lengthof 160 cm. Laboratory examination showed