Differential Diagnosis for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Often considered in the differential diagnosis for SLE due to overlapping symptoms such as joint pain and inflammation. However, RA typically does not present with the same level of systemic involvement as SLE.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD): Shares features of SLE, RA, scleroderma, and polymyositis, making it a consideration when evaluating for SLE.
• Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can present with similar symptoms to SLE, such as joint pain and dry eyes, but primarily affects the exocrine glands.
• Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): Can occur alone or in conjunction with SLE, characterized by clotting events and pregnancy complications.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Vasculitis (e.g., Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): Although less common, vasculitis can present with systemic symptoms similar to SLE and requires prompt treatment to prevent organ damage.
• Infectious Diseases (e.g., Endocarditis, Tuberculosis): Certain infections can mimic SLE in their presentation, including fever, joint pain, and systemic inflammation.
• Lymphoma: Though rare, lymphoma can sometimes present with symptoms that overlap with SLE, such as fatigue, weight loss, and joint pain.

Rare Diagnoses

• Sarcoidosis: An autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and present with a wide range of symptoms, occasionally mimicking SLE.
• Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that affects cartilage and can present with systemic symptoms similar to SLE, including joint pain and inflammation.
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of disorders that affect connective tissues, occasionally presenting with joint hypermobility and skin manifestations that could be confused with SLE.