SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-From Sterile to Septic: Purulent Pericarditis Complicating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

From Sterile to Septic: Purulent Pericarditis Complicating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be at increased risk for purulent pericarditis. The document notes that disease activity itself is a risk factor for bacterial infection in SLE, and that sterile pericardial inflammation during active lupus may make the pericardium more susceptible to bacterial seeding.<br /><br />Serositis is highlighted as an important marker of active disease: 92% of patients with serositis have evidence of active SLE in other organ systems, and autopsy studies found signs of active pericardial inflammation in 75% of SLE patients. Although acute pericarditis is relatively common in lupus, cardiac tamponade is uncommon, with an estimated incidence of about 2%.<br /><br />The text also cites multiple case reports and reviews describing infectious pericarditis in SLE caused by organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, gonococcus, Candida, Haemophilus influenzae, and Salmonella, underscoring that purulent pericarditis can occur in lupus patients, especially when disease is active. Treatment of purulent pericarditis typically includes antibiotics for 2–4 weeks.

Asset Subtitle

Vanessa Fu

Meta Tag

Author List Vanessa Fu

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Concept Disease Activity

Concept Purulent Bacterial Pericarditis

Concept Bacterial Infection

Concept Pericardium

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Chicago

Presenting Author Vanessa Fu

Track Adult

Keywords

systemic lupus erythematosus

SLE

purulent pericarditis

active disease

serositis

pericardial inflammation

bacterial infection

cardiac tamponade

infectious pericarditis

antibiotic treatment

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Disease Activity

Purulent Bacterial Pericarditis

Bacterial Infection

Pericardium