Coexistence of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Lupus Erythematosus in a Male Child: A Rarest of Rare Association

The association of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is rarely reported in literature for the pediatric age group. Usually, SLE precedes the onset of lymphoproliferative disease, but the malignancy can occur earlier or even simultaneously. We report a case of 15 year old male child 12 year back diagnosed as SLE, recently on routine investigation incidentally diagnosed as ALL. SLE is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of blood vessels and connective tissue resulting in multisystem involvement. The clinical manifestations are extremely variable. An estimated 10% to 20% of patient's diagnosis or onset of SLE prior to adulthood. Childhood SLE affects girls more often than boys (8:1), even in the prepubescent age group (4:1). The childhood SLE is usually more severe and has a poorer prognosis than adult. The hallmark of SLE is presence of antinuclear antibody (ANA). The association of SLE and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric patients only few cases reported in literature. Usually, SLE precedes the onset of lymphoproliferative disease, but the neoplasia can occur earlier or even simultaneously.