Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: report of four cases

Clin Rheumatol. 2008 Mar;27(3):399-402. doi: 10.1007/s10067-007-0760-5. Epub 2007 Oct 16.

Abstract

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), a recently recognized manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with only 23 cases reported in the English literature, may appear as a complication or as the initial presentation of SLE and usually occurs during the setting of an active lupus. The pathogenic mechanism in SLE is unknown. We describe four additional cases with clinical, radiological, and manometric features of CIPO. As SLE-related CIPO usually responds to treatment with high doses of corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive and prokinetic agents, a high level of awareness of this complication is needed to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / complications*
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / drug therapy
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Gastrointestinal Agents