IMMUNE-COMPLEX VASCULITIS AS A CAUSE OF ASCITES AND PLEURAL EFFUSIONS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 5  (1) , 33-38
Abstract
A patient was described with systemic lupus erythematosus and large painless ascites and pleural effusions. Pleural and peritoneal fluid complement [C] levels were depressed, and DNA binding was elevated in the presence of normal serum values. Immunoglobulin and C deposits were demonstrated in vessels of the pleura, peritoneum and skin, along with histologic evidence of vasculitis. The relation of the ascites and pleural effusions to the presence of widespread vasculitis and local immune complex formation was discussed. These complications responded poorly to corticosteroid therapy but slowly resolved following the addition of an immunosuppressive agent.