[Abdominal pain due to lupus enteritis: a rare cause for a frequent complaint]
M Coutinho1, L Inês, A Malcata
1Serviço de Reumatologia dos Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra. margarida.coutinho@portugalmail.pt
Abstract:
Abdominal pain is a frequent complaint in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The authors describe the case of a 33-year-old SLE female patient, followed in their rheumatology clinic, who presented with acute and diffuse abdominal pain, vomiting and diffuse rebound tenderness at abdominal examination. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scans showed small bowel wall thickening, with target sign on the CT scan, which suggested the diagnosis of Lupus Enteritis. The patient was treated with high-dose corticosteroids, with rapid resolution of all abdominal abnormalities. Lupus Enteritis is a rare complication of SLE, due to intestinal small-vessel vasculitis. It is a very serious complication of SLE, but the prognosis can be greatly improved with early diagnosis and adequate treatment, as in the case presented here.
Related Concept Videos
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Appendicitis
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...

