Gastric outlet obstruction as a presenting manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

A patient with nausea and vomiting who subsequently proved to have systemic lupus erythematosus is described. Although gastrointestinal involvement is common in systemic lupus erythematosus it is rare as an initial manifestation. Gastric outlet obstruction was shown on the air contrast examination while the mucosa at endoscopy was normal. The gastric symptoms regressed after treatment with high dose corticosteroids and a repeat air contrast examination of the stomach was normal. This stricturing process may have been caused by a local peritonitis.