Ascites as the major manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

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Abstract
It is uncommon for ascites secondary to severe peritoneal inflammation to be the major manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Chronic nonspecific inflammation with a granular type immunofluorescent staining along the mesothelial layer of the peritoneum and peritoneal blood vessels was demonstrated in peritoneal tissue obtained at laparotomy. Paramyxovirus-like structures were seen within vascular endothelium. The ascites diminished with high-dose prednisone and cyclophosphamide therapy.