title: Protein-losing enteropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Although protein-losing enteropathy can be associated with a variety of disorders, only three cases have been described in association with systemic lupus erythematosus. In the case described herein, protein-losing enteropathy was the only clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Small intestinal biopsy revealed edema and mild mononuclear cell infiltration in lamina propria mucosae and no evidence of lymphangiectasia. X-ray studies of the gastrointestinal tract were normal. Protein-losing enteropathy responded to high-dose corticosteroid therapy. Protein-losing enteropathy should be suspected as a possible cause of unexplained hypoalbuminemia in systemic lupus erythematosus.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004487:Edema / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000473:pathology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011504:Protein-Losing Enteropathies / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012709:Serum Albumin; D011239:Prednisolone