thrombocytopenia and deep vein thrombosis on the top of an iceberg

Systemic lupus erythematous (sle) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with a relapsingremitting course. besides, sle most commonly occurs in child-bearing-age women. due to protean manifestations, the diagnosis may be challenging; however, a high index of suspicion, i.e. achieved by experience and perceptivity is the key to a correct decision. here, we present an sle patient; her initial symptoms resembled a malignant process, but important elements guided us to the underlying autoimmune process. a 34-year-old woman presented with a uterine mass, deep vein thrombosis, and significant thrombocytopenia. our first impression was malignant processes; however, considering her age with thrombosis and thrombocytopenia as the key components of her presentation, we suspected antiphospholipid syndrome and sle. her abdominal mass was a benign leiomyoma. we treated her with glucocorticoids and anticoagulants. accordingly, after improving cytopenia, we discharged her and the follow-up examination result was satisfactory.