A Case of Massive Pulmonary Embolism in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus without Antiphospholipid Antibody

Abstract

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at an increased risk of developing thromboses with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The presence of aPL is related to an increased risk of thrombotic events. However, thromboembolic events can occur in SLE patients without aPL, and pulmonary emboli are rarely reported manifestations of SLE without aPL. Here, we report on a case of massive pulmonary embolism in a 58-year-old woman with aPL-negative SLE. She presented with chest pain and dyspnea, and chest computed tomography (CT) and lung perfusion ventilation scans showed pulmonary thromboembolism. She was administered thrombolytic agents, heparin, and warfarin. Two months later, no remarkable residual thromboembolism was observed on chest CT. (J Rheum Dis 2015;22:106-110)