Acute pericarditis after ovarian stimulation in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and literature review.

Acute pericarditis is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute inflammation of the pericardium, which may result from various infectious or non-infectious etiologies. The characteristic clinical manifestations primarily encompass chest pain, classic electrocardiographic changes, and new or worsening pericardial effusion. Acute pericarditis may manifest independently or as a component of systemic disease. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated pericarditis typically occurs during active disease phase. Ovarian stimulation promotes ovulation and alters sex hormone levels, potentially triggering or exacerbating SLE. We report a 34-year-old woman with stable SLE who developed a disease flare, predominantly manifesting as acute pericarditis, following ovarian stimulation. Significant clinical improvement was observed following treatment with glucocorticoids, colchicine, and immunosuppressive agents. A literature review identified eight additional cases of SLE flares following ovarian stimulation, presenting with arthritis, rash, pericarditis, nephritis, or thrombotic events. Consequently, a comprehensive recurrence risk assessment and close monitoring of disease activity are recommended for SLE patients undergoing this fertility treatment.