Lupus mesenteric vasculitis can cause acute abdominal pain in patients with SLE

Lupus mesenteric vasculitis (LMV) is a unique clinical entity found in patients who present with gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus, and is the main cause of acute abdominal pain in these patients. LMV usually presents as acute abdominal pain with sudden onset, severe intensity and diffuse localization. Other causes of abdominal pain, such as acute gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers, acute pancreatitis, peritonitis, and other reasons for abdominal surgery should be ruled out. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of LMV is critical to ensure implementation of appropriate immunosuppressive therapy and avoidance of unnecessary surgical intervention. The pathology of LMV comprises immune-complex deposition and complement activation, with subsequent submucosal edema, leukocytoclastic vasculitis and thrombus formation; most of these changes are confined to small mesenteric vessels. Abdominal CT is the most useful tool for diagnosing LMV, which is characterized by the presence of target signs, comb signs, and other associated findings. The presence of autoantibodies against phospholipids and endothelial cells might provide information about the likelihood of recurrence of LMV. Immediate, high-dose, intravenous steroid therapy can lead to a favorable outcome and prevent serious complications such as bowel ischemia, necrosis and perforation.