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Updated: Jan 4, 2026

The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as pancarditis
D O'Leary1,2, C O'Connor3, L Nertney3
1National Centre for Paediatric Rheumatology, CHI at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland. daire.oleary@ucdconnect.ie.
Background:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with marked variation in its clinical presentation. Juvenile SLE (jSLE) accounts for 15-20% of all cases and is diagnosed when SLE manifests before 18 years of age. Pancarditis is a rare complication of SLE, regardless of age of disease onset.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of jSLE in a 15 year old Caucasian female presenting with an acute episode of pancarditis and multiorgan dysfunction who was successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide.
Conclusion:
Pancarditis can be a presenting feature of jSLE which was previously unreported. A high index of suspicion for severe cardiac involvement is required at all stages of disease.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Endocarditis I: Introduction

