Southern Medical Journal · 2005 · 32 citations · 7 references
Life SciencesImmunologyInternal MedicineAutoimmunityImmunopathologyRheumatologyAutoimmune DiseasesAutoimmune Rheumatic DiseasesEosinophilic DisordersGastrointestinal DiseaseSystemic Autoimmune DiseaseSystemic Lupus ErythematosusDisorderEosinophilic EnteritisEosinophilic Gastrointestinal InflammationEosinophilic InfiltratesRecurrent Abdominal PainSystemic Lupus Erythematosus AssociationsTissue Eosinophilia
Gastrointestinal manifestations are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Eosinophilic enteritis is a rare disorder of uncertain cause that was recently reported for the first time in association with SLE. This report presents a second case of eosinophilic enteritis in a 47-year-old female patient with SLE. The patient presented with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Complete blood counts on occasion showed elevated eosinophil counts. The patient underwent a comprehensive workup over several weeks, culminating in a small bowel biopsy that showed eosinophil infiltration in the muscularis propria, establishing the diagnosis. The patient was treated with a prolonged taper of prednisone with successful resolution of symptoms.
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