The great pretender. Systemic lupus erythematosus.
BACKGROUND
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disorder with a multitude of clinical symptoms and a wide variety of presentations.


OBJECTIVE
To outline the variety of possible clinical presentations of SLE.


CONCLUSIONS
Although joint symptoms and a rash are common at onset it may present as a neurological, cardiovascular or obstetric problem without more obvious clues to the diagnosis and lupus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a wide variety of clinical problems. The prevalence of lupus, however, is low and over-reliance on a positive antinuclear antibody, especially at low titre, can lead to error, especially in the context of musculoskeletal symptoms.
Hanrahan
P
P
Perth Surgicentre, Western Australia.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged