Massive haemorrhage: an unusual presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Issue 11 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qayyum, Wajeeha; Khan, Sohail; Iqbal, Muhammad Shahid; Khan, Muhammad Fozan; Yousafzai, Zaland Ahmed; Afaq, Saima
• Is Part Of: JRSM open. Volume 12:Issue 11(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Clinical -- neurology -- coma and raised intracranial pressure -- rheumatology -- connective tissue disease; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/20542704211062041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-2704

Abstract

Summary: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) usually affects young females and its presentation with haemorrhage is unusual. Intracerebral bleed (ICB) has been described in a few case reports, but massive haematuria has not been reported in the literature so far. Here, we present a case of a 56 year-old-lady who presented with expanding lobar bleed and massive haematuria as the first presentation of SLE secondary to vasculitis. Lupus vasculitis usually presents with thrombosis-related complications and although bleeding in this context is rare, it can lead to catastrophic consequences. Hence, vasculitis-related bleeding should be taken under consideration in a challenging situation like ours.