Sterile empyematous pleural effusion in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a diagnostic challenge

Lupus. 2009 Jun;18(7):581-5. doi: 10.1177/0961203309103049.

Abstract

Herein we present a case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a sterile empyematous pleural effusion, a complication not generally associated with SLE. A discussion of the diagnostic and treatment dilemmas follows the case presentation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Nephritis / diagnosis
  • Lupus Nephritis / drug therapy
  • Lupus Nephritis / pathology
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Pleura / pathology
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnosis*
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology
  • Pleural Effusion / pathology
  • Pleurisy / diagnosis*
  • Pleurisy / pathology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Mycophenolic Acid