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Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
Lupus cystitis presenting with hidronephrosis and gastrointestinal involvement
Flávio Teles1, Larissa Gonçalves de Albuquerque Santos2, Carlos Eugênio Lira Tenório1
1Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Brazil.
Introduction:
Lupus cystitis is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, characterized by thickening of the bladder wall, associated with ureterohydronephrosis. In several cases gastrointestinal symptoms are the main manifestation. The optimal immunosuppressive regimen is still unknown.
Methods:
16-year-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus was admitted with dysuria, renal impairment, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. An abdominal CT scan demonstrated moderate bilateral dilation from the pelvis to the ureterovesical junction, and the bladder exhibited reduced capacity and diffusely thickened walls. A diagnosis of chronic interstitial cystitis was performed and treatment with high dose methylprednisolone resulted in a significant relief of gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms and a reduction of the bladder thickness with improvement of their capacity.
Conclusion:
Lupus cystitis is a rare and underdiagnosed urinary manifestation of LES and the presence of mild urinary symptoms and abdominal pain may alert about this possibility.
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