Work

Concurrent Lupus Nephritis and Lupus Carditis in a Young Woman With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report With an Incidental Arachnoid Cyst

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder with highly variable clinical presentations. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with fever, polyarthritis, rash, and renal and cardiac involvement. Laboratory and immunological investigations confirmed SLE with Class IV lupus nephritis and lupus carditis, while brain imaging incidentally revealed an arachnoid cyst. The patient received high-dose corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and hydroxychloroquine, resulting in marked clinical and laboratory improvement, with the stabilization of renal function and the resolution of cardiac inflammation. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of severe multi-organ involvement in SLE, the application of standardized diagnostic criteria, and the benefits of a multidisciplinary treatment approach. It also emphasizes the need for careful interpretation of incidental findings to avoid misattribution, providing valuable teaching points for clinicians managing complex autoimmune disease presentations.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94138

Authors: Ahmad Mohammad, Bhavna Singla, Shivam Singla, Sahil Kumar, Arif Tajammul

Institutions: Hurley Medical Center, Erie County Medical Center, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Liaquat National Hospital, Services Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4414940072