A Rare Case of Fulminant Myocarditis Leading to the Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with diverse manifestations, including rare occurrences of lupus myocarditis. Clinically significant lupus myocarditis as an early presentation of SLE is exceedingly uncommon.

CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 20-year-old man with chest pain, altered mental status, and nonspecific constitutional symptoms. Investigations revealed elevated cardiac biomarkers, ST-segment elevation on electrocardiography, and reduced biventricular systolic function on echocardiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed abnormal parametric mapping consistent with myocarditis, confirmed on endomyocardial biopsy. Autoimmune work-up found high antinuclear antibody and double-stranded DNA titers, meeting SLE diagnostic criteria. He was treated with high-dose steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin with eventual improvement in cardiac function.

DISCUSSION: This case presents a unique scenario in which myocarditis was one of the only presenting manifestations of SLE.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: A multidisciplinary approach is critical for effective diagnosis and management.