Pseudo-SLE Associated with Parvovirus B19 Infection

Features of parvovirus B19 infection include:

(1) malar rash

(2) fever

(3) arthropathy

(4) myalgia

(5) variable lymphadenopathy

(6) variable hepatosplenomegaly

Laboratory findings:

(1) cytopenias

(2) hypocomplementemia

(3) antinuclear antibodies (ANA)

(4) antibodies to double stranded DNA

(5) variable presence of other autoantibodies

Some findings may persist for up to 6 months.

A key factor for reliable diagnosis is documenting the infection with parvovirus B19, with PCR the more sensitive method.

Differential diagnosis:

(1) parvovirus B19 infection in a patient with SLE (mixed)

(2) other infection mimicking SLE