A Severe Presentation of Drug-Induced Lupus Erythematosus

J Med Cases. 2019 Aug;10(8):246-248. doi: 10.14740/jmc3352. Epub 2019 Aug 26.

Abstract

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is a rare condition associated with the exposure to certain drugs capable of triggering an autoimmune disease similar to systemic lupus erythematosus. Although there are no available diagnostic criteria, clinical and serological findings and its temporal association with the initiation of the suspected drug are important to establish the diagnosis. The withdrawal of the drug usually resolves the symptoms. However, in some cases, therapy with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents may be required. We present a 74-year-old female with a bilateral venous thrombosis, ischemic stroke, polyserositis and diarrhea due to drug-induced lupus erythematosus that required immunosuppressive therapy.

Keywords: Anti-histone antibodies; Autoimmunity; Drug-induced lupus; Ischemic stroke; Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports