Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Simulating Acute Surgical Condition of the Abdomen

SYSTEMIC lupus erythematosus affects small blood vessels throughout the body; as a consequence any or all organs may be involved by the disease. Although the occurrence of abdominal symptoms is well known,1 , 2 we can find few reports that indicate clearly that they may be so acute and severe as to simulate an "acute surgical condition of the abdomen."We have observed 14 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in whom abdominal symptoms severe enough to warrant consultation with a surgeon developed. In 4 the predominant clinical picture was that of pancreatitis. Ten had lupus peritonitis, and an abdominal operation was done . . .