Pleuritis and pleural effusion as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematous in a 23-year-old woman

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that primary affects women and may affect any organ system. Pleural inflammation is a common feature of SLE; however, as an initial presentation in SLE is rare. The author report the case of a 23-year-old woman with chest pain, dyspnea and without fever for 1 week. On physical examination, fine crackles were heard and vocal fremitus was decreased at the base of the left-side of lung. Patient had no symptoms/signs that can meet the SLE criteria; however, immunological workup showed positive response of ANA-speckle, anti-dsDNA, and anti-ENA in patient serum and pleural fluid. Lupus pleuritis with effusions was confirmed by the above investigation. A 1-month course of oral prednisolone-combined oral methrotreate was beneficial in relieving the pleuritis and pleural effusions.