Lupus Erythematosus

Lupus Erythematosus Definition

Systemic lupus erythematosus, simply called lupus, is an autoimmune disease that when untreated, can prove to be fatal. With lupus, as with autoimmune disorders in general, the patient's immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue, thus resulting in inflammation or damage of the tissues. Although it often targets the heart, joints, skin, blood vessels, lungs, liver, nervous system, and kidneys, lupus can actually affect any part of the human body. Lupus progresses unpredictably, with episodes of illness called flares that alternate with remission.

Lupus Erythematosus Symptoms and Signs

Lupus is considered as one of ?the great imitators? because it presents symptoms that mimic those of other diseases. As a result, lupus erythematosus is not immediately diagnosed and is even often mistaken for other afflictions. Initial complaints of afflicted individuals include malaise, fatigue, fever, joint pains, and myalgias. Lupus has dermatological manifestations in the form of thick, red scaly patches on the skin. Other possible signs are alopecia, mouth, nasal, and vaginal ulcers, and skin lesions. Musculoskeletal manifestations of lupus are primarily varying degrees of joint pain, a condition known as lupus arthritis. This type of arthritis is less disabling than rheumatoid arthritis, and rarely causes any severe joint damage. A very small percentage of patients with lupus arthritis will have slight deformities in their hands and feet. Lupus patients may develop anemia and iron deficiency. A common hematological symptom is a decrease in platelet count and white blood cell count. Afflicted individuals may also experience inflammation in various areas of the heart, particularly in the pericarditis, myocarditis, and endocarditis. Inflammation in the lungs may cause pleuritis, pleural infusion, pulmonary hemorrhage, lupus pneumonitis, pulmonary hypertension, chronic diffuse interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary emboli. Some patients may experience neurological symptoms in the form of seizures and psychosis. Other known manifestations include T-cell abnormalities, lupus gastroenteritis, lupus pancreatitis, lupus cystitis, autoimmune inner ear disease, parasympathetic dysfunction, retinal vasculitis, and systemic vasculitis.