Periorbital edema in systemic lupus erythematosus

We have seen two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (LE) and chronic periorbital edema. Periorbital edema occurs frequently in dermatomyositis, but it has rarely been noted in systemic LE. The edema may be associated with facial rash, but it is unrelated to the occurrence of nephrotic syndrome, cardiac and hepatic dysfunction, or edema elsewhere. This complication of systemic LE may be relatively refractory to corticosteroid therapy.