Improvement of systemic lupus erythematosus activity by the association ofdelayed onset Cushing's syndrome

We describe a 43-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who had complete resolution of all SLE symptoms as a result of hypercortisolem ia induced by a glucocorticoid-producing adenoma of the left adrenal gland. After an adrenalectomy, she developed an SLE exacerbation, characterized b y photosensitivity, polyarthralgia, and hemolytic anemia, which required in tensive steroid therapy. This is the first report of a patient with SLE ent ering apparent remission due to excessive adrenal secretion of glucocortico ids.