Abstract:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered to have a
global occurrence of 2-8 new cases per 100.000 people, with
a global prevalence at 30-50 cases per 100.000 people. Recent estimates however suggest these numbers have tripled
in the last thirty years. Ages 15 to 45 are being primarily
affected; male to female ratio is 1:8-10 with a predilection
for younger females. A lingering disease with remissions and
fl ares, SLE reaches a sustained remission in 25% of cases;
up to 50% develop irreversible organ damage. The multiorgan spread marks the disease severity; multiple systems
may be involved at once: pulmonary, cardiovascular, GI,
ocular and renal involvement, skin, muscle and joint and
psycho-neurologic affects.
SLE is a systemic disease often difficult to diagnose and
treat. Atypical presentations – with progressive evolution
resistant to aggressive treatment strategies and associated to multiple comorbidities – only begin to describe
the challenges when approaching the clinical aspects of a
SLE. Multiple medical professionals have to contribute to
the management of a patient with SLE due to the systemic
nature of the disease. We hope the described case reflects
the above-mentioned diagnostic challenges and peculiarities when dealing with this disease.
