Cardiac Tamponade, First Sign of Onset of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with various clinical manifestations that can affect multiple organs and systems. One of the severe complications associated with SLE is cardiac tamponade, a rare and life-threatening complication. In this paper, we present the case of a 36-year-old woman who was diagnosed with SLE after an episode of cardiac tamponade. Large pericardial effusions with cardiac tamponade are rarely encountered in SLE, particularly as the onset of the disease. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of cardiac tamponade and raises awareness of the fact that SLE can present with cardiac involvement, such as cardiac tamponade, at the onset of the disease. Multidisciplinary care involving rheumatologists, cardiologists, and other specialists is essential in the management of SLE with cardiac complications.