Journal List > J Rheum Dis > v.22(2) > 1064175

Jung, Lee, Sim, Kim, Oh, Ji, and Lee: A Case of Massive Pulmonary Embolism in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus without Antiphospholipid Antibody

Abstract

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at an increased risk of developing thromboses with antiphospholipid anti-bodies (aPL). The presence of aPL is related to an increased risk of thrombotic events. However, thromboembolic events can occur in SLE patients without aPL, and pulmonary emboli are rarely reported manifestations of SLE without aPL. Here, we report on a case of massive pulmonary embolism in a 58-year-old woman with aPL-negative SLE. She presented with chest pain and dyspnea, and chest computed tomography (CT) and lung perfusion ventilation scans showed pulmonary thromboembolism. She was administered thrombolytic agents, heparin, and warfarin. Two months later, no remarkable residual thromboembolism was observed on chest CT.

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Figure 1.
Spiral chest computed tomography showing pulmonary thromboembolism in the right pulmonary artery (A) and chest computed tomography showing the absence of remarkable residual thromboembolism (B).
jrd-22-106f1.tif
Figure 2.
Perfusion ventilation scintigraphy showing segmental perfusion defects in the right lung and normal tracer distribution in the left lung.
jrd-22-106f2.tif
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