Abdominal Manifestation and Complications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Emphasis on CT findings
Sith Phongkitkarun MD*, Monchaya Boonnumsirikij MD*, Janjira Jatchavala MD*, Panida Tong-u-thaisri MD**
Affiliation : * Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok ** Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Objective : To describe computed tomography (CT) features in SLE patients with suspected abdominal
involvement or complications.
Materials and Methods : SLE Patients who presented with suspected abdominal involvement or complications
and underwent CT between 2001 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. All CT studies were performed
within 21 days of the onset of symptoms.
Results : Thirty-two SLE patients with 53 CT examinations including imaging findings and clinical data were
reviewed. There were 29 cases with abdominal findings related to SLE including gastrointestinal vasculitis (6
cases), acute pancreatitis (8 cases), genitourinary abnormality (13 cases), hepatosplenomegaly, and ascites.
Bowel wall thickening with target sign in CT is characteristics of GI vasculitis. Mild pancreatitis by CT
scoring index was found in most cases. Five cases had diffuse bladder wall thickening and three cases also had
bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Sixteen cases had other findings not related to SLE including
bowel obstruction, splenic infarction, appendicitis, and hematoma.
Conclusion : The common CT findings and complications in SLE patients who suspected abdominal involve-
ment were presented. CT is useful for detecting the primary cause of abdominal symptoms, planning treatment,
and monitoring for complication.
Keywords : Tomography, Spiral computed, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Abdomen, Complications
