Acute Reversible Lupus Vasculitis of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Acute gastrointestinal vasculitis is a recognized but frequently misdiagnosed complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Of 141 patients with SLE, 20 had ischemic disease reversible in all cases with steroid therapy. Nine patients had radiographic findings consistent with vasculitis such as pseudo–obstruction of the gastric outlet, duodenal stasis, effacement of mucosal folds, spasticity and thumbprinting. Lupus gastrointestinal vasculitis is a rnore common entity than generally recognized. Careful evaluation of the abdominal plain film or gastrointestinal series helps to establish the diagnosis of vasculitis.