Cardiac tamponade as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus--single case report

Abstract

We describe a case of pericardial tamponade as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although pericarditis or pericardial effusion is the common cardiac complication of SLE, tamponade is unusual. Treatment consists of pericardiocentesis, administration of high dose glucocorticoid an antimalarial drug.