title: Pericardial tamponade complicating systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: We describe a case of pericardial tamponade as an initial manifestation of late onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Tamponade is uncommon in SLE, but when it occurs, it is usually during the initial presentation of the patient. The occurrence of tamponade in patients with SLE with pericarditis is unpredictable, but usually associated with radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly. Treatment consists of pericardiocentesis, administration of high dose glucocorticoids and drainage via pericardial catheter. Recognition of this rare manifestation of SLE may be life saving.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Zashin
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Lipsky
mesh_terms: D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008775:Methylprednisolone