Case Report
Volume: 9 | Issue: 7 | Published: Sep 26, 2025 | Pages: 171 - 174 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr.9-2273
Systemic lupus erythematosus overlap with morphea in a 26-yearold female: a case report
Authors:
Lisa David Kyamarisi
, Jeremiah Abedinego Gambishi
, Warles Charles Lwabukuna
, Alice Gwambegu
, Yassin Mgonda
Article Info
Authors
Jeremiah Abedinego Gambishi
Internal Medicine Resident, Kairuki University, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Warles Charles Lwabukuna
Department of Internal Medicine, Kairuki University, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Alice Gwambegu
Department of Internal Medicine, Kairuki University, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Yassin Mgonda
Department of Internal Medicine, Kairuki University, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Publication History
Received: July 08, 2025
Accepted: September 11, 2025
Published: September 26, 2025
Abstract
Background: The coexistence of morphea and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is rare and represents an important overlap of autoimmune disorders. This dual diagnosis highlights the complexity of immune dysregulation and poses challenges in clinical evaluation and management.
Case Presentation: A 26-year-old female presented with an 11-month history of progressive, recurrent erythematous plaques on her arms, back, and knees, accompanied by fatigue and polyarthralgia. She developed generalized swelling involving the periorbital regions and lower extremities, worsening in the morning. Physical examination revealed non-tender, well-defined macules and plaques, some with central hyperpigmentation and others with peripheral hyperpigmentation and central hypopigmentation, along with generalized swelling. Laboratory tests showed pancytopenia, significant proteinuria, hematuria, elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, raised inflammatory markers, liver dysfunction, positive rheumatoid factor, and positive ANA and anti-double stranded DNA antibodies. Skin biopsy demonstrated hyperkeratosis, epidermal atrophy, dermal collagenization, and periadnexal lymphocytic infiltrates.
Conclusion: This case underscores the rare coexistence of morphea and SLE in a young female, illustrating the complexity of autoimmune overlap syndromes. Early recognition through clinical, laboratory, and histopathological evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective multidisciplinary management to improve patient outcomes.
Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Morphea, coexistence, case report, overlap.
Pubmed Style
Lisa David Kyamarisi, Jeremiah Abedinego Gambishi, Warles Charles Lwabukuna, Alice Gwambegu, Yassin Mgonda. Systemic lupus erythematosus overlap with morphea in a 26-yearold female: a case report . EJMCR. 2025; 26 (September 2025): 171-174. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2273
Web Style
Lisa David Kyamarisi, Jeremiah Abedinego Gambishi, Warles Charles Lwabukuna, Alice Gwambegu, Yassin Mgonda. Systemic lupus erythematosus overlap with morphea in a 26-yearold female: a case report . https://www.ejmcr.com/articles/2273 [Access: September 29, 2025]. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2273
AMA (American Medical Association) Style
Lisa David Kyamarisi, Jeremiah Abedinego Gambishi, Warles Charles Lwabukuna, Alice Gwambegu, Yassin Mgonda. Systemic lupus erythematosus overlap with morphea in a 26-yearold female: a case report . EJMCR. 2025; 26 (September 2025): 171-174. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2273
Vancouver/ICMJE Style
Lisa David Kyamarisi, Jeremiah Abedinego Gambishi, Warles Charles Lwabukuna, Alice Gwambegu, Yassin Mgonda. Systemic lupus erythematosus overlap with morphea in a 26-yearold female: a case report . EJMCR. (2025), [cited September 29, 2025]; 26 (September 2025): 171-174. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2273
Harvard Style
Lisa David Kyamarisi, Jeremiah Abedinego Gambishi, Warles Charles Lwabukuna, Alice Gwambegu, Yassin Mgonda (2025) Systemic lupus erythematosus overlap with morphea in a 26-yearold female: a case report . EJMCR, 26 (September 2025): 171-174. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2273
Chicago Style
Lisa David Kyamarisi, Jeremiah Abedinego Gambishi, Warles Charles Lwabukuna, Alice Gwambegu, Yassin Mgonda. "Systemic lupus erythematosus overlap with morphea in a 26-yearold female: a case report ." 26 (2025), 171-174. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2273
MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style
Lisa David Kyamarisi, Jeremiah Abedinego Gambishi, Warles Charles Lwabukuna, Alice Gwambegu, Yassin Mgonda. "Systemic lupus erythematosus overlap with morphea in a 26-yearold female: a case report ." 26.September 2025 (2025), 171-174. Print. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2273
APA (American Psychological Association) Style
Lisa David Kyamarisi, Jeremiah Abedinego Gambishi, Warles Charles Lwabukuna, Alice Gwambegu, Yassin Mgonda (2025) Systemic lupus erythematosus overlap with morphea in a 26-yearold female: a case report . , 26 (September 2025), 171-174. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2273