CASE REPORT
Generalized lymphadenopathy as the first clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus–A case report
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1
Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, MALAYSIA
2
School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, MALAYSIA
Publication date: 2024-12-03
Electron J Gen Med 2024;21(6):em614
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Generalized lymphadenopathy is a non-specific symptom of many diseases including infections, inflammations,
malignancies, or autoimmune diseases. The presence of lymphadenopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
is often associated with active disease and it’s rarely present without SLE symptoms. We presented a case of 24
years old postnatal female who experienced of prolonged fever, weight loss, constitutional symptoms, and
generalized lymphadenopathy for two months. In view of no suggestive symptoms of infections, connective tissue
disease and other malignancies, our major concern was lymphoma. However, over time, diagnosis of SLE was
made based on late manifestations of musculoskeletal, hematological, neuropsychiatric, and renal symptoms of
lupus supported by positive autoimmune investigations. This case highlighted how SLE first manifests as
generalized lymphadenopathy followed by late manifestations of other symptoms. The vague symptoms of SLE
make the diagnosis challenging.
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