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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.
Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal
|November 6, 2019
Summary
Pancarditis, inflammation of the heart, can be an initial symptom of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE). Early cardiac evaluation is crucial for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Cardiology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Juvenile SLE (jSLE) comprises 15-20% of SLE cases, diagnosed in individuals under 18.
- Pancarditis, inflammation of the entire heart, is an infrequent complication of SLE.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old female presented with an acute episode of pancarditis and multiorgan dysfunction.
- This presentation occurred in the context of newly diagnosed juvenile SLE.
- The patient was successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide.
Findings:
- Pancarditis can manifest as a presenting feature of jSLE.
- This association has not been previously reported in medical literature.
- The case highlights the potential for severe cardiac involvement at disease onset.
Implications:
- A high index of suspicion for cardiac complications is necessary in pediatric lupus patients.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of pancarditis are vital for favorable outcomes.
- This case expands the understanding of jSLE's clinical spectrum.
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