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Case Reports
. 2021;17(4):428-433.
doi: 10.2174/1573397117666210902151130.

Lymphadenopathy as a Prodrome for Systemic Lupus Erythematous

Neha Kinariwalla  1 , Kelly Steed  2 , Prabjot S Mundi  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Lymphadenopathy as a Prodrome for Systemic Lupus Erythematous

Neha Kinariwalla et al. Curr Rheumatol Rev. 2021.

Abstract

Background: Lupus lymphadenopahy (LL) has an estimated incidence of 1% at diagnosis. Here, we report a case of systemic lupus erythematous which presented with a prodrome of generalized lymphadenopathy and fevers.

Case presentation: A 41-year-old woman presented to the hospital with one month of fevers, chills, lymphadenopathy, abdominal pain, a bilateral upper extremity rash, and malaise. Physical exam was notable for tender, palpable posterior cervical lymph nodes that were mobile and about 1 cm in maximum diameter. After extensive infectious, hematologic, and autoimmune evaluations, a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) was made and treatment with high-dose steroids and hydroxychloroquine which resulted in gradual improvement in symptoms.

Conclusion: Systemic lupus erythematous can present with a subtle prodrome of generalized lymphadenopathy. It is important for medical professionals to consider SLE in the differential in a patient with diffuse lymphadenopathy.

Keywords: SLE; case report; fever; lymph nodes; lymphadenopathy; malaise..

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