The overlap of systemic lupus erythematosus and sickle cell disease: report of two cases and a review of the literature.

Two cases of Afro-Caribbean women with an association of sickle cell disease (SCD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are presented. We discuss the clues to the diagnosis of this combination with a review of the literature. Owing to a substantial overlap between the clinical manifestations of the two disorders, the diagnosis of SLE in patients with SCD may be difficult to establish and is often delayed.