Lupus Erythematosus (LE) Cells in Pleural Fluid as the Initial Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-A Case Report

Abstract

The lupus erythematosus (LE) cell is a mature neutrophil containing other ingested cell nuclei. These unique cells are usually found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this report, we describe a case of SLE with initial manifestations of left chest pain and pleural effusion. Cytological examination of the pleural fluid revealed numerous LE cells that led to the diagnosis of SLE. Although the clinical application of LE cell preparations has been discontinued and the antinuclear antibody (ANA) assay used instead, careful examination of body fluids such as pleural fluid for the presence of LE cells could lead to the discovery of underlying autoimmune disease. The presence of LE cells in pleural fluid has been rarely reported in Taiwan, we herein present an instance of such an initial manifestation in an SLE patient.