The endocrinologic associations of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Having seen five patients with both SLE and thyroid disease (case reports available on request) in a short period of time, we have undertaken a survey of the association between the ARD and endocrine disorders. On the basis of a literature review and our own reported study, it is apparent that an association between these major groups of disorders is well established with some individual diseases, though much more dubious in others (Table 3). The possibility of coexistent endocrine disease in a patient with a multisystem ARD should be carefully considered throughout the course of the patient's follow-up.