Amro AM, Deeb S, Rije R, Deeb N, Qunaibi YY, Amr B, Irzeqat K, Alhadad B, Emar A. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Cardiac Tamponade and Pleural Effusion: A Case Report.
Cureus 2024;
16:e52894. [PMID:
38406136 PMCID:
PMC10893996 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.52894]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, lungs, and other organs. We describe the case of a 36-year-old female patient who first presented with non-specific symptoms before receiving a diagnosis of SLE, along with initial evidence of pleural effusion and cardiac tamponade. Heart tamponade, which is characterized by fluid accumulation in the pericardial space, is an unusual but serious side effect of SLE. Pleural effusion, or an accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, is a typical hallmark of SLE; however, it rarely manifests as the disease's initial symptom. The early identification and diagnosis of these cardiovascular symptoms of SLE is critical for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. This case report highlights the significance of considering SLE when performing a differential diagnosis for patients who have cardiovascular symptoms, particularly when pleural effusion and cardiac tamponade are present. To increase awareness and knowledge of these uncommon presentations of SLE, more investigations and comprehension of the underlying pathophysiology are required.
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