Pleuritis and pleural effusion as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematous in a 23-year-old woman

Author: Wan, Kong-Sang

Source: Rheumatology International, Volume 28, Number 12, October 2008 , pp. 1257-1260(4)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that primary affects women and may affect any organ system. Pleural inflammation is a common feature of SLE; however, as an initial presentation in SLE is rare. The author report the case of a 23-year-old woman with chest pain, dyspnea and without fever for 1 week. On physical examination, fine crackles were heard and vocal fremitus was decreased at the base of the left-side of lung. Patient had no symptoms/signs that can meet the SLE criteria; however, immunological workup showed positive response of ANA-speckle, anti-dsDNA, and anti-ENA in patient serum and pleural fluid. Lupus pleuritis with effusions was confirmed by the above investigation. A 1-month course of oral prednisolone-combined oral methrotreate was beneficial in relieving the pleuritis and pleural effusions.

Keywords: SLE; Pleuritis; Pleural effusion; Pulmonary tuberculosis; Video-assisted thoracic surgery

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00296-008-0598-4

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pediatric, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Da An District, Taipei, 106, Taiwan, Email: gwan1998@gmail.com

Publication date: 2008-10-01