Conjunctival chemosis and isolated pericardial effusion as initial manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, often making diagnosis challenging, particularly in atypical presentations. Ophthalmic involvement in SLE is relatively common; however, initial presentation with ocular symptoms is uncommon, and presentation with chemosis is exceedingly rare. The case of a 34-year-old previously healthy female who came to emergency department of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad in September 2022, is presented. She had bilateral chemosis and pericardial effusion and was diagnosed as SLE on the basis of strongly positive immunology. The patient demonstrated a favourable clinical response to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy.

Keywords: systemic lupus erythematosus, chemosis, pericardial effusion, cyclophosphamide.