Lymphadenopathy is a common finding in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),
yet lymphoid malignancy is rare. Typically, adenopathy associated with SLE
responds to glucocorticoid therapy. We evaluated a patient with a diagnosis
of SLE who had progressive lymphadenopathy despite receiving aggressive co
rticosteroid therapy for SLE associated thrombocytopenia. Histopathology in
itially revealed an aggressive plasmacytosis characteristic of Castleman's
disease (CD), CD, or angiofollicular hyperplasia, is a rare lymphoprolifera
tive neoplasm that has features overlapping many autoimmune diseases. This
disorder should be considered in autoimmune diseases with unremitting or pr
ogressive adenopathy.