Lupus Nephritis Disguised: The Diagnostic Challenge of Eosinophilic Enteritis - A Case Report

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-systemic disorder affecting almost all systems of the body. Involvement of the kidney in this condition is known as Lupus nephritis. Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the important disease manifestations of SLE with considerable influence on patient outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality.

A 33 year old female came to the OPD with complaints of abdominal pain, infrequent loose stools since 4 months. Patient also had joint pain, predominantly small joints, since 2 months. Patient was admitted and all routine investigations were done. Patient underwent a OGD scopy and colonoscopy for her abdominal pain and loose stools which did not respond to routine medication. Grossly there was edema present in the oesophagus and colon which on microscopy showed eosinophili infiltration. Urine routine of the patient showed Protein 1+ and 24 hour urine protein quantification of 1427mg/ 24h. On further evalauation patient was found to have a positive ANA blot (dsDNA, AMAM2, Ro52 and Sm). Patient was planned for a renal biopsy in view of the proteinuria and positive ANA blot. Patient underwent a renal biopsy under USG guidance and was found to have Lupus nephritis Class 3 (ISN RPS staging). SLE is a multi organ involving disease which if not diagnosed at the earliest can have serious complications and lead to end stage organ failure and even death. Atypical presentations often pose a diagnostic dilemma and may delay diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can give patients of SLE a long and normal life. Diagnostic guidelines have helped in the diagnosis of such atypical presentations.