Why the study?
Chylous pericardial effusion is an exceedingly uncommon manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus despite SLE being known to cause serositis.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights chylopericardium as a rare but manageable complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, requiring a multidisciplinary approach.
May support medical management of SLE chylopericardium; leaves open need for larger studies before practice change.
Chylopericardium is a rare condition characterized by accumulated chylous fluid in the pericardial sac, often secondary to trauma, malignancy, infections, or autoimmune diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is known to cause serositis, but chylous pericardial effusion remains an exceedingly uncommon manifestation. We report the case of a 38-year-old female with SLE who presented with chylous pericardial effusion. The diagnosis was confirmed through pericardiocentesis and fluid analysis, revealing high triglyceride levels. The patient was successfully managed with immunosuppressive therapy, steroids, and dietary modifications. This case highlights the importance of recognizing chylous pericardial effusion as a potential, albeit rare, complication of lupus and emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to its management.
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Imamuddin et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Systemic lupus erythematosus with chylous pericardial effusion (n=1). Immunosuppressive therapy, steroids, and dietary modifications was evaluated on Resolution of chylous pericardial effusion.
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