Systemic lupus erythematosus with intestinal pseudoobstruction: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare complication of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Due to diagnostic challenges, it can go largely unrecognized. It is characterized by features of mechanical obstruction of the small or large bowel in the absence of an anatomic lesion obstructing the flow of intestinal contents. There are a paucity of case reports in literature worldwide. We report two cases of intestinal pseudoobstruction in which one patient survived. The two cases illustrate the need for a high index of suspicion for diagnosis and early intervention with systemic high dose corticosteroids and IVIG. This will avert surgical intervention and reduce the mortality rate from this manifestation of lupus.

Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Intestinal pseudo-obstruction