Ewha Med J.  2014 Sep;37(2):121-125. 10.12771/emj.2014.37.2.121.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Initial Presentation of Ascites

• Chu JM
• Kang SH
• Song JH
• Han KH
• Shin SY
• Yang TY
• Choi JJ
• Hong SP

• KMID: 2171295
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2014.37.2.121

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology and is characterized by presence of variable pathogenic auto-antibodies and multiple organ involvement. Serositis is common in SLE, but peritoneal involvement is relatively rare. This is a case report of 28-year-old female who initially presented with abdominal pain and ascites. After ruling out many other possibilities such as liver cirrhosis, neoplasm, and infectious etiologies, we confirmed SLE with clinical features, serologic tests and radiological findings. To conclude, her abdominal pain and ascites were caused by lupus peritonitis. After administration of corticosteroid therapy, her symptoms fairly improved.

Keyword

Systemic lupus erythematosus; Ascites; Peritonitis

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Adult
Ascites*
Female
Humans
Liver Cirrhosis
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic*
Peritonitis
Serologic Tests
Serositis

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Chest X-ray. It reveals bilateral pleural effusion.

• 

  Fig. 2 Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography, cross-sectional (A) and coronal (B) view. Computed tomography scans show massive ascites, diffuse mural thickening of stomach, and bowel loops.

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