Nihar Ranjan Saha, Md. Abdul Qayyum, Sadeya Afreen,Hena Khatun, Subrata Kumar Gain

Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease
specially of the females (9:1).Thus poses great difficulty in making an early
diagnosis in males, often presenting with atypical manifestations. Pleural effusion
occurs only 2.5-3% of cases.Rarely pleural effusion can be first manifestation of
SLE occurs only in 2-3% of cases. Acute onset of empyematous pleural effusion
has rarely been seen.Herein, we report a 30-year-old man with SLE presented
with rapid progression of bilateral pleural effusion. Diagnostic thoracocentesis
disclosed neutrophil-predominant sterile exudates and chest computed tomography
revealed bilateral encysted pleural effusion. The diagnosis of SLE was readily
established after serum antibody positivity specific for SLE.Nevertheless, optimal
antibiotic therapy did not improve his condition. Intercostal chest tube drain
was given associated with high dose corticosteroid therapy.

Download PDF