Constrictive pericarditis in systemic lupus erythematosus. Demonstration of immunoglobulins in the pericardium.
A 17-year-old male with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with clinical signs of severe constrictive pericarditis that was confirmed by cardiac catheterization. At surgery, a fibrous pericardium was removed, followed by complete relief of symptoms. Immunopathology of the pericardial tissue revealed deposition of IgG, IgM, and C3. A review of the literature produced only three similar cases. Although rare, constrictive pericarditis, a potentially life threatening complication, may occur in systemic lupus erythematosus presumably with an immunological basis.
D000293:Adolescent; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D010494:Pericarditis, Constrictive / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D010496:Pericardium / Q000276:immunology*
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D007136:Immunoglobulins