An example of possible coincidence and overlaping of autoimmune diseases, truthfully called “kaleidoscope of autoimmunity”, is also the case of 60 years old man, who presented with symp- toms and signs of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) simultaneously with medulary thymoma. Subsequent thymectomy caused him a rapid deterioration of the systemic disease. Fevers, general weakness, weight loss, neuropathy and muscular atrophies, selective proteinuria and solitary positive anti-dsDNA were not classified as the SLE initially and thymectomy was performed for the finding of a thymoma. After a short period of post-operative improvement all symptoms got worse and high titres of antinuclear antibodies were detected. Renal biopsy diagno- sed a membranous form of lupus nephritis and subsequent treatment with steroids and Cyclospo- rine evoked a quick remission with normalization of all clinical and laboratory findings. The term “kaleidoscope of autoimmunity” states not only “the changing abnormal balance of autoimmune afflictions” but also up to this time apparently fortuitous character of manifestation of autoimmune disorders. We can specify them better separately but so far we do not comprehend their mutual shifts and overlappings.

        Key words: Autoimmunity - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Thymoma