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[Rare manifestation of large vessel vasculitis in systemic lupus erythematosus]
M Schwarz-Eywill1, N Rinaldi, T Barth
1I. Medizinische Klinik Städtisches Klinikum Dresden-Friedrichstadt Friedrichstr. 41 D-01067 Dresden.
Insights
Large-vessel vasculitis, a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, can affect major arteries like the iliac and femoral arteries. Early recognition is crucial for patient prognosis and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Vasculitis, or inflammation of blood vessels, is a known complication of SLE.
- Large-vessel involvement in SLE-associated vasculitis is uncommon.
Observation:
- Presents case reports of two female patients with SLE.
- Both patients exhibited occlusion of the right external iliac and femoral arteries.
- These symptoms manifested within the initial years of their SLE diagnosis.
Findings:
- Histological examination in one case revealed fibrous intimal thickening and adventitial small vessel vasculitis.
- This supports small vessel vasculitis as a characteristic feature in lupus erythematosus.
- General symptoms and polyarthritis were also noted in both patients.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but significant manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering large-vessel vasculitis in SLE patients presenting with arterial occlusion.
- Early diagnosis and management are critical for improving patient outcomes and prognosis in SLE.
Abstract:
Case-reports from two female patients with an occlusion of the right external iliac artery and femoral artery are presented due to a large-vessel vasculitis. Both patients suffered from systemic lupus erythematosus This rare manifestation occurred within the first few years of the disease and was important for prognosis and further treatment. Other manifestations of the disease were general symptoms and polyarthritis. In one case the vasculitis was confirmed by histology. A fibrous thickening of the intima and a vasculitis of small vessels within the adventitia were the prominent feature. This observation supports the idea of small vessel vasculitis as the characteristic manifestation in lupus erythematosus.
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