title: Lower extremity arterial disease in systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Lupus vasculitis primarily affects microvascular circulation, and large-vessel thrombosis is a rare complication of this disease. Large-vessel occlusive disease in systemic lupus erythematosus is most likely related to hypercoagulability in addition to immune complex-mediated endothelial damage. We describe the 11th and 12th patients reported to have systemic lupus erythematosus and macrovascular occlusive disease of the lower extremities. Our experience and a review of the literature suggest that, while aortoiliac disease is amenable to bypass or endarterectomy, infrainguinal disease is rarely correctable surgically, and amputation becomes necessary in most of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Wheatley
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Hennein
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Greenfield
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000209:etiology; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology