Gastric outlet obstruction as a presenting manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

• Published in: Gut Vol. 35; no. 6; pp. 841 - 843
• Main Authors: Posthuma, E F, Warmerdam, P, Chandie Shaw, M P, Breedveld, F C, Macfarlane, J D, van der Sluys Veer, A, Lamers, C B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Society of Gastroenterology 01-06-1994; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Gastric Outlet Obstruction - diagnostic imaging; Gastric Outlet Obstruction - drug therapy; Gastric Outlet Obstruction - etiology; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - complications; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - drug therapy; Medical sciences; Peritonitis - complications; Prednisone - therapeutic use; Radiography; Sarcoidosis. Granulomatous diseases of unproved etiology. Connective tissue diseases. Elastic tissue diseases. Vasculitis; Human; Immunopathology; Connective tissue disease; Skin disease; Autoimmune disease; Gastrointestinal; Obstruction; Case study; Etiology; Systemic disease; Digestive diseases; Lupus erythematosus; Diagnosis; Inaugural sign; Gastric disease
• ISSN: 0017-5749; 1468-3288; 1458-3288
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.35.6.841

A patient with nausea and vomiting who subsequently proved to have systemic lupus erythematosus is described. Although gastrointestinal involvement is common in systemic lupus erythematosus it is rare as an initial manifestation. Gastric outlet obstruction was shown on the air contrast examination while the mucosa at endoscopy was normal. The gastric symptoms regressed after treatment with high dose corticosteroids and a repeat air contrast examination of the stomach was normal. This stricturing process may have been caused by a local peritonitis.