Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Combined with Wilson's Disease: a Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Wilson's disease (WD) are both systemic diseases that can affect multiple organs in the body. The coexistence of SLE and WD is rarely encountered in clinical practice, making it challenging to diagnose.

Case Report: We present the case of a 9-year-old girl who initially presented with proteinuria, haematuria, pancytopenia, hypocomplementemia, and positivity for multiple autoantibodies. She was diagnosed with SLE, and her blood biochemistry showed elevated liver enzymes at the time of diagnosis. Despite effective control of her symptoms, her liver enzymes remained elevated during regular follow-up. Laboratory tests revealed decreased serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels, along with elevated urinary copper. Liver biopsy revealed chronic active hepatitis, moderate inflammation, moderate-severe fibrosis, and a trend towards local cirrhosis. Genetic sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the ATP7B gene, confirming the diagnosis of SLE with WD. The girl received treatment with a high-zinc/low-copper diet, but her liver function did not improve. Upon recommendation following multidisciplinary consultation, she underwent liver transplantation. Unfortunately, she passed away on the fourth day after the surgery.

Conclusions: SLE and WD are diseases that involve multiple systems and organs in the body, and SLE complicated with WD is rarely encountered in the clinic; therefore, it is easy to misdiagnose. Because penicillamine can induce lupus, it is not recommended. Liver transplantation is indicated for patients with liver disease who do not respond to medical treatment with WD. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal timing of liver transplantation for patients with SLE complicated with WD.