[A case of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with superior vena cava syndrome].
We report on a case of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with superior vena cava syndrome. A 46-year-old woman developed polyarthralgia in December 1994. She was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In February 1995, she was admitted to our hospital with systemic convulsion and disturbance of consciousness (III-300/Japan coma scale). Severe facial edema was also present. Laboratory studies revealed the presence of anti-nuclear antibody, anti-DNA antibody, anti-Sm antibody, and proteinuria. An X-ray film of the chest showed pericardial effusion and bilateral pleural effusions. Computed tomography of the chest showed a severe swelling of mediastinal lymph nodes. A diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was made according to the American Rheumatism Association criteria. Initial treatment with intravenous dexamethasone improved the level of consciousness and decreased the facial edema, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and the effusions on computed tomography of the chest. We believe that the most likely explanation for the facial edema is superior vena cava syndrome due to severe mediastinal lymphadenopathy.
Kingetsu
I
I
Department of Internal Medicine (III), Jikei University School of Medicine.
Kurosaka
D
D
Hashimoto
N
N
Tajima
N
N
D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*