Generalized laxity of connective tissue as a possible syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus.

We report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with Jaccoud's arthropathy, presenting atlantoaxial subluxation and multiple joint hypermobility. Radiological studies showed degenerative changes, but no destructive changes like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were observed. Since these are rare complications of SLE, the coexistence of these complications suggests that they have a common pathogenesis. Generalized laxity of connective tissues may be a novel syndrome in SLE.