Localized pericardial inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus

Regional or localized pericarditis has been infrequently reported. We report a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who presented with retrosternal pleuritic-type chest pain without audible friction rub, electrocardiographic changes or detectable pericardial effusion on echocardiography. Computed tomography, however, revealed a circumscribed area of pericardial inflammation, suggesting a diagnosis of localized lupus-associated pericarditis. This case demonstrates that localized pericarditis may occur in SLE and that chest CT may be required as part of the work-up in the diagnosis of lupus pericarditis.