Outcome of surgical resection for protein-losing enteropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is an uncommon manifestation associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, a case with SLE and concomitant hypoalbuminemia is reported. Technetium-99m albumin scintigraphy demonstrated a localized lesion in the ascending colon, and the diagnosis of SLE-related PLE was established. Due to a poor response to medical treatment, this patient received surgical resection, but relapse still developed later on. Recurrent protein-lose from the remaining of the colon was documented by repeated images. This report discusses the management of SLE-related PLE and the role of nuclear medicine scintigraphy in the investigation of PLE.