Abdominal computed tomography in lupus mesenteric arteritis.

We report the abdominal computed tomography (CT) findings in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed signs of an acute abdomen secondary to mesenteric arteritis. Initial CT scan demonstrated ascites and wall thickening of the duodenum and jejunum. After treatment with high dose intravenous steroids, follow-up CT scan demonstrated a normal duodenum and small bowel. This is the first surgically proven case of lupus mesenteric arteritis resulting in bowel ischemia that is demonstrated on CT before and after medical therapy. Lupus mesenteric arteritis should be included in the differential diagnosis of causes of bowel wall thickening and ischemia, especially if mesenteric vessels appear prominent.