Korean J Med.  2010 Apr;78(4):409-415.

Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus

• Ahn JK

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system, autoimmune disorder of unknown cause, characterized by the production of autoantibodies and wide ranging spectrum of clinical manifestations. SLE can involve any organ system of the body with constitutional symptoms, including musculoskeletal, skin, renal, neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal system. American College of Rheumatology classifications criteria for SLE can be helpful when establishing the diagnosis of SLE. However, these criteria would not do for physicians to give a diagnosis of SLE because these were designed for classification for research purpose and not for diagnosis. The diagnosis of SLE remains largely clinical. Thus, increasing awareness of the clinical manifestations could lead to earlier diagnosis. The clinical manifestations and diagnosis of SLE are covered in this review.

Keyword

Systemic lupus erythematosus; Clinical manifestations; Diagnosis

MeSH Terms

Autoantibodies
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Rheumatology
Skin
Autoantibodies