Autoimmune hepatitis with raised alpha-fetoprotein level as the presenting symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmune hepatitis are distinct clinical disorders, which rarely occur, in the same patient. We describe a 59-year-old woman with coexistence of both conditions. Photosensitivity, arthritis, positive ANA, and extreme elevation of anti-dsDNA concluded the diagnosis of SLE. Hyperbilirubinemia, high serum value of liver function, and elevation of alpha-fetoprotein were also prominent. By a review of pertinent literature, clinical investigation, calculation of autoimmune hepatitis score, and pathology of liver biopsy specimen, we were in favor of autoimmune hepatitis. Awareness of this rare presentation may be beneficial to clinicians in identifying and treating patients with both SLE and autoimmune hepatitis.