Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is an uncommon but important complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It can be a diagnostic challenge when it is the presentation for SLE.
Patient selection: SLE
Mechanism: intestinal dysmotility of uncertain cause. It may relate to neuropathy or a myopathy affecting smooth muscle
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction:
(1) clinical picture consistent with bowel obstruction
(2) absence of mechanical lesion (stricture, adhesions) causing a physical obstruction
Patients with intestinal pseudo-obstruction also tend to have:
(1) hydronephrosis and hydroureter without obstruction
(2) dilation of the bile ducts without obstruction
Additional risk factors:
(1) hypocomplementemia
(2) elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP)
(3) polyserositis
(4) anti-Ro antibody
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