Total colonic necrosis

Abstract
Difuse ischemic colitis leading to colonic necrosis is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. A 16-yer-old girl who developed such a complication and underwent emergency subtotal colectomy is described. The incidence and significance of intestinal symptoms and the dificulties in the differential diagnosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with abdominal manifestations are discussed.