Abstract
Large volume effusions as a manifestation of active systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is rare, and when it does occur, it is usually associated with complications of chronic lupus disease, such as nephrotic syndrome, constrictive pericarditis, heart failure or Budd-Chiari syndrome. Massive serositis as a presenting feature of SLE is rare. We de-scribe two adult cases of new onset SLE presenting with massive ascites in the first case, and large bilateral pleural effusions in the second case. The serositis in both patients responded well to high dose steroid therapy with signifi-cant improvement in symptoms. Only a small number of case reports describing massive ascites or large pleural effusions as initial manifestations of new onset SLE have been published. A literature review of these case reports and their treatment outcomes is described.
Highlights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with heterogeneous phenotypes
Two case reports of SLE presenting as serositis with large volume effusions are described
A diagnosis of SLE with lupus peritonitis was made and treatment initiated with intravenous methylprednisolone 500 mg/day for a week followed by prednisone 1 mg/Kg/day and hydroxychloroquine
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with heterogeneous phenotypes. Serosal inflammation is common in SLE, massive pleural ascites and large volume pleural effusions as presenting features are unusual. Unlike most cases of lupus serositis, patients with these large effusions tend to require aggressive management with high dose steroids and steroid-sparing agents [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
