Ureteritis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Rheumatology
• Urology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
• SLE can affect multiple organ systems, including the urinary tract.
• Ureteritis, or inflammation of the ureter, is an uncommon manifestation of SLE.

Observation:

• A 35-year-old woman with SLE presented with acute abdominal pain and signs of peritonitis.
• Abdominal CT revealed long-segment inflammatory lesions in the right ureter.
• Laparoscopic surgery showed no acute abdominal pathology, but pain resolved after double-J tube implantation for hydronephrosis.

Findings:

• The patient's ureteritis associated with SLE was treated with immunosuppressive therapy (hormone and mycophenolate mofetil).
• Clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators improved significantly after 1 year of treatment.
• Follow-up CT scans confirmed the resolution of inflammatory ureteral lesions.

Implications:

• This case highlights ureteritis as a potential, albeit rare, cause of acute abdominal pain in SLE patients.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate immunosuppressive treatment are crucial for managing SLE-associated ureteritis.
• Early identification can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes in this specific SLE manifestation.