Vasculitis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect many organs. Involvement of mesenteric vessels can have significant morbidity and mortality.
Clinical findings:
(1) acute, diffuse abdominal pain
(2) intussusception with or without obstruction
(3) intestinal obstruction
(4) perforation with peritonitis and sepsis
Other organs (liver, pancreas, genitourinary tract, etc) may also show signs of vasculitis.
Imaging studies may show thickening of bowel wall
Therapy with cyclophosphamide or other appropriate agent reduces recurrence and improved outcomes (Yuan et al).
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