Abdominal manifestation and complications in systemic lupus erythematosus: Emphasis on CT findings

Abstract

Objective: To describe computed tomography (CT) features in SLE patients with suspected abdominal involvement or complications. Material and Method: SLE Patients who presented with suspected abdominal involvement or complications and underwent CT between 2001 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. All CT studies were performed within 21 days of the onset of symptoms. Results: Thirty-two SLE patients with 53 CT examinations including imaging findings and clinical data were reviewed. There were 29 cases with abdominal findings related to SLE including gastrointestinal vasculitis (6 cases), acute pancreatitis (8 cases), genitourinary abnormality (13 cases), hepatosplenomegaly, and ascites. Bowel wall thickening with target sign in CT is characteristics of GI vasculitis. Mild pancreatitis by CT scoring index was found in most cases. Five cases had diffuse bladder wall thickening and three cases also had bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Sixteen cases had other findings not related to SLE including bowel obstruction, splenic infarction, appendicitis, and hematoma. Conclusion: The common CT findings and complications in SLE patients who suspected abdominal involvement were presented. CT is useful for detecting the primary cause of abdominal symptoms, planning treatment, and monitoring for complication.