Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with a fatal intestinal vasculitis: a case report

ABSTRACT

This case report demonstrates fatal gastrointestinal vasculitis as a rare presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus. A 34-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and diarrhea. Anti nuclear antibody was positive and high titre of anti-ds DNA antibody was also reported. Treatment with corticosteroid and supportive cares were started; however, her condition worsened. Eventually, she was considered as a candidate for diagnostic laparoscopy. Immediately after laparoscopy, she developed respiratory distress along with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Soon after, the patient died because of disseminated intravascular coagulation