Lupus Enteritis: Presentation as an Apparent Surgical Emergency - A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Emergencies

Background:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune condition with diverse organ manifestations.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is a recognized feature of SLE, with oral lesions being most common.
• Acute abdomen in SLE patients necessitates careful evaluation due to multiple potential underlying causes.

Observation:

• This case report details a patient with SLE presenting with acute abdomen.
• The presentation was attributed to lupus enteritis (LE) or intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO), mimicking a surgical emergency.
• Surgical intervention was initially considered due to the severity of the abdominal symptoms.

Findings:

• Prompt diagnosis of lupus enteritis and initiation of corticosteroid therapy led to symptom resolution.
• The patient's condition improved without the need for surgical exploration.
• This highlights the importance of considering lupus-related GI complications in SLE patients with acute abdominal pain.

Implications:

• Heightened clinical suspicion for LE/IPO is crucial in SLE patients presenting with acute abdominal pain.
• Differentiating lupus-related GI issues from surgical emergencies is critical for appropriate management.
• Timely medical management can prevent unnecessary surgical interventions and associated complications in SLE patients.