A Case of Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis Presented with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

ABSTRACT

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is characterized by peritoneal fibrosis and adhesion of the peritoneum with the loops of the small intestine. Although the prevalence is low, most cases are caused by peritoneal dialysis, infection, medication, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and intra-abdominal neoplasm. We describe a 22-year old man who was presented with abdominal pain and distension, which were attributed to SLE with peritonitis. He had no specific history of previous medical illness and peritoneal dialysis. He was treated with intravenous high dose methylprednisolone 1 g/day for 3 days, followed by intravenous methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg daily and immunoglobulin. However, his symptoms did not improve. Eventually, a laparoscopic biopsy was performed for an accurate diagnosis. The histopathologic findings were presented in accordance to the typical characteristics of SEP. In spite of medical treatment, he did not show an improvement of clinical symptoms and radiologic findings. As a result, he died from nutritional deficiency, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and congestive heart failure.