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Chaparro CA, Bernal-Macías S, Muñoz OM. Lupus enteritis as systemic lupus erythematosus main manifestation: Two case reports. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2024; 12:2050313X241247433. [PMID: 38628859 PMCID: PMC11020699 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x241247433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Lupus enteritis denotes inflammation of the intestinal walls resulting from the influence of systemic lupus erythematosus. It represents a rare manifestation associated with notable morbidity and mortality, marked by nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. In this article, we present two cases of individuals experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. They had a personal or familial history of autoimmunity with intestinal involvement consistent with the presentation of lupus enteritis. Following treatment with glucocorticoids and immunomodulators, both patients exhibited a satisfactory clinical evolution. While lupus enteritis remains an uncommon occurrence, its clinical significance is undeniable. Hence, it is imperative to maintain a high level of clinical suspicion to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Andrés Chaparro
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Santiago Bernal-Macías
- Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Rheumatology Department, San Ignacio University Hospital, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Oscar Mauricio Muñoz
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Frittoli RB, Vivaldo JF, Costallat LTL, Appenzeller S. Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review. J Transl Autoimmun 2021; 4:100106. [PMID: 34179742 PMCID: PMC8214088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2021.100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal involvement is a common complain observed in 40-60% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We performed a systematic review of clinically severe and potential life-threatening gastrointestinal manifestations and discuss clinical presentation, pathogenesis and treatment. METHODS We performed a literature search in English literature using PubMed and Embase from 2000 to December 2020. The following MeSH terms: systemic lupus erythematosus, protein-losing enteropathy, ascites, pancreatitis, vasculitis, intestinal vasculitis, enteritis and diarrhea published in the English literature. RESULTS We identified 141 studies (case reports, case series and cohort studies). The most frequent presenting symptoms are acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Many of the manifestations were associated with disease activity. Histological features are rarely available, but both vasculitis and thrombosis have been described. There is no treatment guideline. The majority of patients were treated with corticosteroids and the most common immunososupressant were azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate. CONCLUSION Vasculitis and thrombosis may be responsible for severe life-threatening manifestations such as pancreatitis, protein loosing gastroenteritis, acalculous cholecistyitis and enteritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Bazuco Frittoli
- Post-Graduation in Medical Pathophysiology, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Fernandes Vivaldo
- Graduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas, Brazil
| | - Lilian Tereza Lavras Costallat
- Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Traumatology, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083881, Brazil
| | - Simone Appenzeller
- Department of Medicine, School of Medical Science - State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083881, Brazil
- Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Traumatology, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083881, Brazil
- Post-Graduation in Medical Pathophysiology, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas, Brazil
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Gonzalez A, Wadhwa V, Salomon F, Kaur J, Castro FJ. Lupus enteritis as the only active manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2019; 7:1315-1322. [PMID: 31236395 PMCID: PMC6580338 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i11.1315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lupus enteritis is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Diagnosis of this condition is difficult, especially in the absence of other symptoms related to active SLE. We present the case of a 25-year-old female with lupus enteritis as the sole initial manifestation of active SLE.
CASE SUMMARY A 25-year-old African American female presented to the Emergency Department complaining of diffuse abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting for 2 days. Her past medical history was significant for seasonal allergies and family history was pertinent for discoid lupus in her father and SLE in a cousin. The patient’s vital signs on presentation were normal. Her physical exam was remarkable for significant lower abdominal tenderness without guarding or rigidity. A computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed marked circumferential wall thickening and edema of the proximal and mid small bowel predominantly involving the submucosa. Our main differential diagnoses were intestinal angioedema and mesenteric vein thrombosis. However, mesenteric vessels were patent, and laboratory testing for hereditary angioedema showed a normal C1 Esterase Inhibitor level and low C3 and C4 levels. Infectious work-up was negative. Autoimmune tests showed elevated anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) (13.6), anti-Smith antibody, and anti-ribonucleoprotein (anti-RNP) antibody. The patient was diagnosed with SLE enteritis. She was maintained on bowel rest, given intravenous hydration, and started on methylprednisolone 60 mg IV daily. She had significant improvement in her abdominal pain, diarrhea, and emesis after 2 days of treatment. Steroids were tapered and maintained on Hydroxychloroquine with no relapses one year after presentation.
CONCLUSION This case of lupus enteritis represents a rare manifestation of SLE. Diagnosis requires clinical suspicion, characteristic imaging and laboratory tests. Endoscopic appearance and biopsies usually yield non-specific findings. High dose steroids are the preferred treatment modality for moderate and severe cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalberto Gonzalez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Vaibhav Wadhwa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Fayssa Salomon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Jeevna Kaur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Fernando J Castro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
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Lüngen EM, Maier V, Venhoff N, Salzer U, Dersch R, Berger B, Riering AN, Nickel K, Fiebich BL, Süß P, Maier SJ, Egger K, Tebartz van Elst L, Endres D. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Isolated Psychiatric Symptoms and Antinuclear Antibody Detection in the Cerebrospinal Fluid. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:226. [PMID: 31105597 PMCID: PMC6494960 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Organic psychiatric disorders can be caused by immunological disorders, such as autoimmune encephalitis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE can affect most organs, as well as the central nervous system (CNS). In this paper, we describe a patient with an isolated psychiatric syndrome in the context of SLE and discuss the role of antibody detection in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Case presentation: The 22-year-old German male high school graduate presented with obsessive-compulsive and schizophreniform symptoms. He first experienced obsessive-compulsive symptoms at the age of 14. At the age of 19, his obsessive thoughts, hallucinations, diffuse anxiety, depressed mood, severe dizziness, and suicidal ideation became severe and did not respond to neuroleptic or antidepressant treatment. Due to increased antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) with anti-nucleosome specificity in serum and CSF, complement activation, multiple bilateral white matter lesions, and inflammatory CSF alterations, we classified the complex syndrome as an isolated psychiatric variant of SLE. Immunosuppressive treatment with two times high-dose steroids, methotrexate, and hydroxychloroquine led to a slow but convincing improvement. Conclusion: Some patients with psychiatric syndromes and increased ANA titers may suffer from psychiatric variants of SLE, even if the American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE are not met. Whether the psychiatric symptoms in our patient represent a prodromal stage with the later manifestation of full-blown SLE or a subtype of SLE with isolated CNS involvement remains unclear. Regardless, early diagnosis and initiation of immunosuppressive treatment are essential steps in preventing further disease progression and organ damage. Intrathecal ANAs with extractable nuclear antigen differentiation may be a more sensitive marker of CNS involvement compared with serum analyses alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Lüngen
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Viktoria Maier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nils Venhoff
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Salzer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rick Dersch
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Berger
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne N Riering
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Süß
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon J Maier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Karl Egger
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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