The dual association between lymphoma and autoimmunity

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases and lymphocytic malignancies are related and this association is bidirectional. Lymphomas occur more frequently in the c ourse of autoimmune disease and autoimmune rheumatic manifestations occur i n the course of lymphocytic malignancies. An increased incidence of maligna nt lymphocytic diseases is present in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, s ystemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, and autoimmune thyroid dis ease. Descriptions of lymphocytic malignancies among other autoimmune rheum atic disease have been published. In some patients, the malignant disease i s diagnosed months or years before the appearance of the rheumatic disease. (C) 2001 Academic Press.