Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Associated with Massive Ascites and Pleural Effusion in a Patient Who Presented with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with serositis presenting with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is reported. A 53-year-old woman was admitted because of a fever. Laboratory tests revealed increased plasma levels of fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) and FDP-D-dimer, high titers of anti-nuclear antibody, high serum levels of anti-DNA antibody, immune complexes, decreased serum complements, and persistent proteinuria. A CT scan showed massive ascites and pleural effusion, marked edema and swelling of the mesenterium. The patient's condition and immunological abnormalities improved after steroid therapy. The association of DIC and lupus serositis has never been described in the literature. (Internal Medicine 41: 161-166, 2002)