Tamponade precedes diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

The most common cardiovascular manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is pericardial disease. Tamponade in SLE is rarely described. The patient discussed in this case report presented with symptoms of heart failure. Physical exam, laboratory testing, echocardiography, and right heart catheterization revealed multiple morbid conditions including tamponade. The diagnoses satisfied four criteria for the classification of SLE. This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough physical exam in guiding diagnostic and therapeutic measures.