European Medical Journal (Jun 2023)

Lupus Enteritis: A Case Report

  • Lucas Zambiasi,
  • Alícia Regina Zambiasi,
  • Maria Eduarda Tomasetto,
  • Patrick Bonacina,
  • Matheus Augusto Eisenreich,
  • Lísia Hoppe,
  • Fernando Fornari,
  • Ricardo Valões

DOI
https://doi.org/10.33590/emj/10308412

Abstract

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Lupus enteritis is a rare presentation of systemic lupus erythematous, clinically manifested by abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid complications, including death. Here, the authors report a case of a 52-year-old White female who presented with abdominal pain and chronic diarrhoea, with diagnostic tests compatible with lupus enteritis. Such a condition is an uncommon manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that affects young females, resulting from gastrointestinal involvement by small vessel vasculitis. Early detection and proper management of lupus enteritis are essential to improve long-term survival. The present case addresses the clinical characteristics of lupus enteritis, emphasising its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.