A Rare Manifestation of Abdominal Pain in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report on Lupus Enterocolitis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects the skin, kidneys, and musculoskeletal system. We present a case of lupus enterocolitis, a rare manifestation of SLE that affects the small and large bowel. The case involves a 17-year-old woman with SLE, presenting with a seven-day history of colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. A contrast-enhanced CT abdomen and pelvis were organised 48 hours into her admission, showing multifocal inflammatory changes in the small and large bowel, most prominent in the ascending and transverse colon. She was successfully treated with intravenous steroids and continuation of her immunosuppressive agents. This case illustrates that SLE can affect the bowel, leading to an acute abdominal presentation that is difficult to diagnose. Prompt imaging and early administration of intravenous steroids enable effective management of lupus enterocolitis, reducing the risk of life-threatening complications such as bowel ischaemia and perforation.