Severe lupus enteritis: A diagnostic and therapeutic enigma

Lupus. 2024 Nov;33(13):1483-1486. doi: 10.1177/09612033241290579. Epub 2024 Oct 3.

Abstract

Lupus enteritis refers to the gastrointestinal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It presents with diverse symptoms that frequently overlap with those of other acute abdominal conditions, posing diagnostic challenges. We describe an adolescent female, with lupus pancreatitis and nephritis, who later developed severe lupus enteritis during the course of her illness. She was treated with pulse methylprednisolone and intravenous cyclophosphamide and gradually improved over 3 weeks. Our case highlights the need to consider lupus enteritis in patients with severe pain abdomen and intractable vomiting. Presence of lupus pancreatitis and nephritis are risk factors for development of enteritis.

Keywords: Lupus enteritis; adolescent health; cyclophosphamide.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Adolescent
  • Cyclophosphamide* / therapeutic use
  • Enteritis* / diagnosis
  • Enteritis* / drug therapy
  • Enteritis* / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / drug therapy
  • Lupus Nephritis* / complications
  • Lupus Nephritis* / diagnosis
  • Lupus Nephritis* / drug therapy
  • Methylprednisolone* / administration & dosage
  • Methylprednisolone* / therapeutic use
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis
  • Pancreatitis / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vomiting / etiology

Substances

  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Immunosuppressive Agents