Acute pancreatitis: An unusual presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system and chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterised by the presence of autoantibodies and the creation of immune complexes, coming up with protean manifestations. Its occurrence in children is rare and acute pancreatitis as the presenting manifestation of childhood SLE is exceptional. Diagnosis of lupus pancreatitis is clinical, biological and radiological. Here, we report an 8 year 8-month-old young girl who presented to our hospital with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. She also had a fever, alopecia, oral ulceration and glossitis. Her investigations showed elevated serum amylase and lipase levels, suggestive of acute pancreatitis. Other investigations revealed pancytopenia, low complement, microalbuminuria and high antinuclear antibodies level, indicative of SLE. As a result, the diagnosis of lupus pancreatitis was retained. Her clinical symptoms and signs markedly improved after a course of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive therapy. The child is now being brought for regular follow-up and is doing well.