Systemic lupus erythematosus with repeated protein-losing enteropathy resulting from different pathological conditions: a case report

Abstract

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a rare organ disorder that can develop as a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we report the case of a 59-year-old woman with SLE who experienced recurrent PLE resulting from different pathological conditions. The patient was diagnosed with SLE in X-14. In X-12, she was hospitalised due to persistent diarrhoea, generalised oedema, abdominal distension, dyspnoea on exertion, and hypoalbuminemia. A thrombus was noted in the superior mesenteric vein extending from the main trunk of the portal vein. She was diagnosed with PLE resulting from portal vein thrombosis caused by SLE, and her condition improved with anticoagulant therapy. In X-1, she developed diarrhoea and hypoalbuminemia again and was diagnosed with PLE associated with SLE. The symptoms promptly ameliorated with immunosuppressive therapy. Because PLE associated with SLE can be caused by various pathological conditions, appropriate therapeutic intervention based on the underlying condition is crucial.

Keywords:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• protein-losing enteropathy
• portal vein thrombosis
• anticoagulant
• corticosteroid

Patient consent

For this case report, informed consent was obtained in writing from the patient.

Ethical approval

Not applicable

Conflict of interest

Y. Tanaka received consulting fees, speaking fees, and/or honoraria from Daiichi-Sankyo, Astellas, Pfizer, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Bristol-Myers, Chugai, YL Biologics, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Janssen, UCB, and research grants from Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Takeda, Bristol-Myers, Chugai, Astellas, Abbvie, MSD, Daiichi-Sankyo, Pfizer, Kyowa-Kirin, Eisai, Ono. K. Nakano has received speaking fees from Bristol-Myers, Sanofi, AbbVie, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Chugai, Pfizer, Takeda, and Mitsubishi-Tanabe, and research grants from Mitsubishi-Tanabe and Eisai.