Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
05:07

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia

Published on: July 21, 2023

Pericardial tamponade presenting as abdominal pain in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosis

A E Muñiz1

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, USA. aemuniz@aol.com

CJEM
|July 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Abdominal pain in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can mask serious conditions like cardiac tamponade. Early diagnosis is crucial, as SLE complications can be life-threatening.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Abdominal pain is a frequent emergency department complaint in children.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients face heightened risks of gastrointestinal complications, including infection, necrosis, and perforation.
  • Medications like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants can obscure SLE symptoms, delaying critical diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight a case of abdominal pain in an adolescent with SLE due to cardiac tamponade.
  • To review cardiac and gastrointestinal manifestations of SLE in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Case report presentation.
  • Literature review of cardiac and gastrointestinal manifestations in SLE.

Main Results:

  • An adolescent female presented with abdominal pain attributed to cardiac tamponade, a rare but serious SLE complication.
  • The case underscores the diverse and potentially severe presentations of SLE in children.

Conclusions:

  • Abdominal pain in pediatric SLE requires thorough investigation beyond typical gastrointestinal causes.
  • Cardiac tamponade is a critical differential diagnosis in SLE patients with abdominal pain.
  • Recognizing both cardiac and GI manifestations is vital for timely management of pediatric SLE.

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management01:25

Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...